COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Coldwater Police say they conducted compliance checks at 20 stores in the city earlier this week to make sure they were following the law in selling tobacco and alcohol to only those who are of proper age.
City police say four clerks were cited for selling tobacco to an undercover minor. It is illegal in the State of Michigan to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 18.
The Michigan Department of Community Health offers advice to store managers on how they can prevent sales of tobacco to minors and what they can do to make sure their employees are trained.
The unlawful sale or purchase of tobacco products is a misdemeanor punishable by fines from $50 to $500 for each offense. Penalties apply to the seller not the owner of the store.
Stores caught violating the Michigan Youth Tobacco Act maybe fined by the Liquor Control Commission. If the store sells lottery tickets, the Lottery Commission may also be notified.
