Three Bristol tobacco retail shops were found to be selling e-cigarettes and tobacco products to youth under 21 years old in January after unannounced inspections, coordinated by local and state law enforcement agencies, the Bristol Police announced in a release today.
Two clerks, one at Haze Smoke Shop on Middle Street and another at Gas Man on Riverside Avenue, respectively, and the owner of Lite It Up Smokeshop on Lake Avenue were charged with the sale of electronic nicotine systems or vapor products to minors.
In late January, members of the Bristol Police Narcotic Enforcement Team along with the State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program conducted unannounced inspections of eight Bristol establishments that sell tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, according to the release.
The inspections were performed by underage undercover agents to determine whether the Bristol shops were complying with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of e-cigarettes and tobacco products to youth under the age of 21.
Three were found non-compliant.
Five of eight shops were compliant: Smoking Ape at 74 Farmington Ave. and 728 Farmington Ave., respectively, Citgo/Atlantis Fresh Market at 527 Middle St., Bristol Smoke Shop at 948 Pine St. and Avalon Smoke Shop at 45 N. Main St.
All TBE readers, supporters and donors
The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.
- Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.
- Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.
Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.