Petty: 4 of 10 Marblehead stores sold tobacco to minors

MARBLEHEAD – In a sting operation conducted on Saturday four of the town?s 10 tobacco retailers sold tobacco to minors without asking for identification.The 60 percent score is significantly lower than the 80 percent scores the town achieved in recent years. Three of the sales were first-time violations. Director of Public Health Andrew Petty told the Board of Health Wednesday evening that he and North Shore Tobacco Control Program (NSTCP) Director Joyce Redford conducted the semi-annual sting operation, the first since he took office, on Jan. 28. They were assisted by two under-age youths.The first-time violations took place at Haley?s, 116 Washington St., Shubie?s, 16 Atlantic Ave. and Beach Bluff Market, 252 Humphrey St. Each business incurred a $100 fine for violation of a town bylaw banning tobacco sales to minors.Redford noted that the sale at Richdale/Fast Break, 29 Smith St., was the store?s second incident in 24 months. She recommended a $200 fine and said Petty should consider a seven-day tobacco sales license suspension as well. Petty said Wednesday he was considering the suspension.Redford also noted that two of the businesses involved sold alcoholic beverages and should be checking customer identification regularly.Petty said the stings, which are conducted at least once a year, “wake the business owners up.” In 2008 and 2010 stings no town businesses made sales to minors. The town usually posts scores of 80-90 percent. The Massachusetts average was 88 percent in 2008. In addition to the stings the NSTCP also conducts education programs.