Southington Smoke Shop Cited In Compliance Sweep: Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police last week conducted a Southington smoke shop sweep to see which ones were illegally selling to minors, and donly one of nine investigated did so.

According to the Southington Police Department, on Tuesday, May 27, only Queen Smoke & Convenience, 613 Queen St., was cited in the sweep, which featured undercover yuths trying to buy tobacco/vape products.

The Southington Police Department conducted the probe on May 22 in conjunction with the STEPS Coalition, the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program.

They did so by conducting an unannounced compliance inspection of establishments that sell tobacco products and/or electronic cigarettes.

The inspections were performed to determine compliance with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of e-cigarettes and/or tobacco products to youths under the age of 21.

Retailers are required by state law to inspect the photo ID of anyone who appears under the age of 30 before selling a tobacco product or electronic cigarette.

Queen was the only one of nine checked that was found to be non-compliant.

The offending clerk at this establishment was issued a first-time infraction for $300, and the matter was referred to the Department of Revenue Services.