Citations issued after minor decoy used in compliance check of tobacco sales

PALESTINE, Texas ( KETK ) – Multiple citations have been issued after Palestine PD said they conducted a tobacco/vape sales compliance check on Saturday at various locations.

The operation consisted of a minor decoy going to the following businesses, where police officials said they were sold a tobacco product by an employee:

• JJ’s Fast Stop #105 at 2110 Crockett Road
• Wal-Mart Supercenter #345 at 2223 S. Loop 256
• Gateway Travel Plaza of Palestine at 2530 W. Oak Street
• Fast Track at 3804 W. Oak Street
• Petro Mart #3, Katie’s Pantry, at 4217 W. Oak Street
• Kim’s #2, Box Car Deli, at 1219 E. Palestine Avenue
• Kim’s #45 at 2585 N. State Highway 19
• Jag’s #1 at 500 E. Palestine Avenue
• Kwik Stop at 704 W. Palestine Avenue

“Management from Kim’s Corporate Office contacted the police department following the operation, stating they have a strict policy against underaged sales and any conviction would result in termination of the employee,” police said in a release.

According to officials, the compliance check operation was conducted in response to complaints from parents who reported their children were being sold tobacco/vape products. Offending employees were cited for selling a tobacco product to a minor, and police said the violations will be reported to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

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