September 6, 2007, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of August.  Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 17 businesses in Canton.  Four businesses sold to the minor decoy, while 13 refused the sale.  A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

 Business Name, Location, Status

 Rite Aid, 4151 S. Canton Center, Sold alcohol to minor
 Thai Bistro, 45620 Ford Rd., Sold alcohol to minor
 7-11, 7171 N. Canton Center, Sold alcohol to minor
 Pinetree Market, 42444 Ford Rd., Did not sell alcohol
 En-Joy Beverage, 39457 Joy Rd., Did not sell alcohol
 Marathon Gas, 41439 Michigan, Did not sell alcohol
 Rite Aid, 2249 N. Canton Center, Did not sell alcohol

 Marathon Gas, 40401 Michigan, Sold tobacco to minor
 CVS, 1791 S. Haggerty, Did not sell tobacco
 Valero Gas, 40200 Michigan,  Did not sell tobacco
 Shell Gas, 40400 Michigan,  Did not sell tobacco
 7-11, 45490 Michigan, Did not sell tobacco
 Amoco Gas, 45495 Michigan,  Did not sell tobacco
 Pinetree Market, 42444 Ford Rd.,  Did not sell tobacco
 Discount Beverage  8673 Joy Rd.  Did not sell tobacco
 Sunoco Gas, 42495 Joy Rd.,  Did not sell tobacco
 Mobil Gas, 44350 Warren,  Did not sell tobacco
 
The Special Enforcement Unit has performed tobacco and alcohol compliance checks at local businesses for the past several years.  The SEU utilizes a “zero tolerance” enforcement strategy when dealing with violations of tobacco and alcohol sales to minors.  Establishments selling alcohol to a minor receive a misdemeanor citation.  Alcohol violations are also reported to the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

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