Store Clerks Cited in Cigarette Sting

A 16-year-old walked into a liquor store at Brookhurst Street and Edinger Avenue on Wednesday and came out with a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. The same teen then went to a nearby gas station and was successful in buying cigarettes.

At his next stop, however, he struck out. The clerk asked for identification and then refused to sell to him.

The incidents were part of a Police Department program to discourage businesses from selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. Supervised by officers, decoys under the age of 18 go into liquor stores, grocery stores, gas stations and other establishments.

Of 15 businesses visited this week, Sgt. Paul Sorrell said, five were given citations. The clerks involved were arrested by police, then released on the spot with citations, Sorrell said. They face fines of as much as $200 each.

The sting operation began last month, Sorrell said, after police received more than a dozen complaints about businesses selling cigarettes to minors. Of 25 businesses visited March 13, four were cited.

Councilman John J. Collins was among those suggesting the decoy program after recent City Council action requiring that cigarette vending machines in bars be placed so that they are not easily accessible to minors.

Det. Dave Moodie said a letter was sent in advance to about 75 businesses that sell tobacco products to inform them of the program.