Milford Businesses Held Accountable for Underage Sale of Tobacco Products

On September 29, 2015 members of the Milford Police Department and staff members of the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program TPEP), conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products. The inspections were performed in an effort to determine compliance with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of cigarettes and/or tobacco products to youth under the age of eighteen.

Under the direction and supervision of DMHAS investigators, an underage youth, employed by the TPEP, entered the establishments and attempted to purchase tobacco products.

A total of 19 unannounced compliance inspections were conducted. Of this total, 3 establishments were found to be in violation of the Connecticut General Statute 53-344(b) Sale of Tobacco to minors under eighteen, which carries a $200 fine. The offending clerks at these establishments were cited.

The cigarette dealer license holder at each establishment also faces additional administrative sanctions from the Department of Revenue Services, the state agency that issues cigarette dealer licenses.

Establishments found in violation are as follows:

• In and Out Mart Inc. 186 Bridgeport Ave.
• Howard’s Variety 34 Naugatuck Ave.
• M.S. Convenience 1201 Boston Post Rd.