Hamden Police - News Release
DATE: 03/20/24
CONTACT: Lieutenant Raymond Quinn-Public Information Officer
PHONE: 203-230-4029
PIO #: 24-08
On 03/19/24 members of the Hamden Police Department working with the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP) and members of the Connecticut of Department of Revenue Services - Criminal Investigation Division (DRS-CID) conducted unannounced compliance inspections of establishments that sell tobacco products and / or electronic cigarettes. The inspections were performed in an effort to determine compliance with state laws concerning the prohibition of the sale of e-cigarettes and / or tobacco products to youth under the age of 21 as well as applicable Connecticut tobacco product tax laws.
Retailers are required by state law to inspect the photo ID of anyone who appears under the age of 30 before selling a tobacco product or electronic cigarette.
A total of ten unannounced compliance inspections were conducted. Of this total, six establishments were found non-complaint with Connecticut General Statues section 53-344 (Sale of tobacco to a person under 21) or section 53-344b (Sale of an e-cigarette to a person under 21). The offending clerks at these establishments were issued a first time infraction in the amount of $300.
Tobacco retailers are licensed by the Connecticut of Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Non-compliant retail establishments are referred to the DRS for possible administrative action.