For Release 05/02/07

The Canton Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit conducted alcohol and tobacco sales checks during the month of April. Decoy minors attempted to purchase either alcohol or tobacco at 12 businesses in Canton. Three businesses sold to the minor decoy, while nine 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

Roman Forum                 41601 Ford Rd.                       Sold alcohol to minor

Antonio’s                        2220 N. Canton Center            Did not sell alcohol

Superbowl                      45100 Ford Rd.                       Did not sell alcohol

Texas Corral                   43750 Ford Rd.                       Did not sell alcohol

Marathon Gas                 40401 Michigan                       Sold tobacco to minor

Shell Gas                       40400 Michigan                       Did not sell tobacco

Marathon Gas                 41479 Michigan                       Did not sell tobacco

Valero Gas                     44431 Michigan                      Did not sell tobacco

Amoco Gas                    45495 Michigan                       Did not sell tobacco

Rite Aid                         4151 S. Canton Center             Did not sell tobacco

Oakview Party Store       42256 Palmer                          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.

###

MEDIA CONTACT: Lieutenant Robert Kerr, 734-394-5449