March 2, 2017, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) conducted alcohol sales checks during the month of February. The special unit utilized a volunteer decoy minor to attempt the purchase alcohol at seven businesses in Canton. Two businesses sold to the minor decoy, while five refused the sale. A complete list of the locations checked is shown below:
BUSINESS: ADDRESS: OUTCOME:
7-11 44285 Ford Road Sold to decoy minor
Maria’s Bakery 115 N. Haggerty Sold to decoy minor
Super Fine Wine & Liquor 1634 N. Haggerty Did not sell to decoy minor
CVS 7269 N. Canton Center Rd. Did not sell to decoy minor
7-11 43340 Warren Did not sell to decoy minor
Rite Aid 180 S. Lilley Did not sell to decoy minor
Rite Aid 4151 N. Canton Center Did not sell to decoy minor
Canton’s SEU has performed alcohol and tobacco compliance checks at local businesses in the past, and will continue to use the decoy program as a means of keeping minors safe in the community. The unit utilizes a “zero tolerance” enforcement strategy when dealing with violations of alcohol and tobacco sales. Under local ordinance, alcohol sales to under age persons as the result of an undercover operation result in a civil infraction ticket being issued to the server or salesperson with a fine of not more than $100.00. The establishment is cited for a Liquor Control Commission (LCC) violation, resulting in an administrative hearing with the LCC. Sales of tobacco products to persons under age 18 result in a misdemeanor ticket being issued to the sales person with a fine of up to $50.00.
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