November 4, 2016, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) conducted alcohol sales checks during the month of October. The special unit utilized a volunteer decoy minor to attempt the purchase alcohol at eight businesses in Canton. Three 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 7171 N. Canton Center Rd. Sold to decoy minor
En-Joy Liquor 39457 Joy Road Sold to decoy minor
Canton Party Store 43431 Michigan Ave. Sold to decoy minor
Smoker’s Express 45156 Ford Road Did not sell to decoy minor
DEV 6624 N. Canton Center Did not sell to decoy minor
Crown Liquor 42432 Ford Road Did not sell to decoy minor
CVS 45300 Cherry Hill Rd Did not sell to decoy minor
Oakview Party Store 42256 Palmer Road 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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