All But 1 Store In Lake Pass Sheriff's Tobacco Enforcement Test

BEACH PARK, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office took on the second round of its tobacco compliance check and released its results Monday. The campaign is meant to enforce the new Illinois state law raising the minimum age for tobacco purchasing and possession to 21.

Of 67 establishments tested, only one failed to refuse tobacco to a minor, the release said.

The sheriff's office said that in the failed establishment, the clerk "sold (tobacco) even after checking the identification of the minor."

The establishment found in violation was the 7-Eleven at 37763 N. Green Bay Rd., Beach Park. The violation date was May 29, and the clerk sold tobacco to a minor under 18, the sheriff's office told Patch.

"While even one failed compliance check is too many, I’m pleased the overwhelming majority of tobacco selling establishments refused to sell to underage buyers," Sheriff John Idleburg said.

"An important responsibility of selling tobacco or alcohol is ensuring those buying the product are of legal age, and we will continue conducting compliance checks to ensure businesses are following the law," said Idleburg.

The check applied to Lake County communities who are provided policing services by the sheriff's office.