Two Evanston Businesses Cited During Tobacco Sting Operations

EVANSTON, IL — Police cited two businesses this month during tobacco compliance checks after they sold tobacco products to underage customers.

On Feb. 3, police conducted checks at 34 businesses throughout the city to determine if tobacco product retailers are complying with minimum-age tobacco laws. Two businesses sold tobacco products to a person under 21 years old:

• 7-11, 817 Davis Street
• Food 4 Less, 2400 Main Street

Evanston police announced they would start doing these checks in October. Similarly to minor decoy programs that ensure retailers aren't selling alcohol to underage customers, the tobacco compliance checks aim to keep sellers vigilant.

Tobacco retailers are given an education packet and are notified that the compliance checks are going to occur in the near future.

"These compliance checks are an excellent opportunity for retailers to refocus their vigilance to ensure they are not selling tobacco products to customers under 21," EPD said in a statement.

The program is funded through a grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Human Services Tobacco Enforcement Program.