For Release 07/05/07

The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of June.  Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 11 businesses in Canton.  Three businesses sold to the minor decoy, while eight refused the sale.  A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:

Business Name     Location              Status

 Marathon Gas     41479 Michigan     Sold alcohol to minor
 Pine Tree Mkt     42444 Ford Rd.     Sold alcohol to minor 

 Valero Gas         44431 Michigan     Sold tobacco to minor
 Speedway Gas    45350 Ford Rd.     Did not sell tobacco
 Mobil Gas           44350 Warren       Did not sell tobacco
 Maria’s Bakery     115 N. Haggerty   Did not sell tobacco
 Shell Gas           40400 Michigan     Did not sell tobacco
 Valero Gas         40200 Michigan     Did not sell tobacco
 Marathon Gas     40401 Michigan     Did not sell tobacco
 Canton Party      43431 Michigan     Did not sell tobacco
 Rite Aid             4151 Canton Ctr    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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