Vernon Hills Police Conduct Tobacco Checks, Receive Enforcement Grant

In conjunction with a grant from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC), the Vernon Hills Police Department recently completed the third and final round of underage tobacco checks. The checks were made to determine compliance with Illinois law and local ordinances pertaining to the sale of tobacco to minors.
 
On April 20, 15 Vernon Hills tobacco licensees were checked. In each situation, a minor attempted to purchase tobacco products. The purchase was attempted under the supervision of a Vernon Hills police officer. Of the 15 establishments that were checked, none were found to be in violation of the law by selling tobacco to a minor.

News was recently received from the ILCC that a new grant in the amount of $1,760.00 was awarded to the Vernon Hills Police Department. This grant, the 14th one received by the department, will be used to continue educational and enforcement efforts regarding minimum-age tobacco laws.  

Before May 31, 2014, the department will conduct three “checks” at every village tobacco licensee. The purpose of these checks will be to ensure that minors are unable to purchase tobacco. Prior to the first check, each licensee will receive an educational letter from the police department, advising them of the upcoming enforcement plans and applicable law. The police department will also be distributing educational material designed to assist the licensee.   

Since 2000, the police department has conducted 708 checks in conjunction with the ILCC grants. Collectively, the tobacco sale was refused approximately 96 percent of the time. The refusal rate was 100 percent during the last two grant periods.