Numerous Longview Retailers Cited after Tobacco Sting
Posted/updated on: September 7, 2012 at 11:31 am
LONGVIEW — Longview Police have reported that nine retailers were cited for selling tobacco to minors. Authorities said , during the month of August, officers conducted tobacco stings to test the compliance of area tobacco retailers in regards to Texas tobacco laws. The undercover stings utilized 14-16 year old minors, accompanied by officers, who entered stores and attempted to purchase tobacco products. The stings are funded through a grant issued by the Texas Comptroller’s Office. A violation of this statute is a class C misdemeanor and the fine is over $500.00.
The undercover officer/minor teams went to 156 Longview area tobacco retailers during three separate sting operations. Nine of these tobacco retailers sold tobacco products to the undercover minors, with two stores selling to minors twice.
The locations that sold tobacco products to minors include:
Nice Way 800 Pine Tree Rd, Tejas Super Mart 1822 Pine Tree Rd, Brianna’s Stop n Shop (Texaco) 3122 Estes Pkwy (twice), J&B Food Mart 1600 S Green St, Road Runner 1917 Judson Rd, Rudy’s #16 128 W Marshall Ave, Tobacco Junction #22 3541 Gilmer Rd, Food Fast #1073 3357 Gilmer Rd, Kyle’s 1401 Judson Rd. (twice)
