Elburn follows tobacco control laws
In a compliance check of all seven Elburn businesses licensed to sell tobacco products, all but one was following the law and not selling to minors younger than 18.
The 86 percent compliance last week was down after four straight 100 percent reports in 2006 and early this year. But it shows a dramatic increase in compliance from 2005, when Elburn police first received grants from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. In similar operations, only 20 percent of the businesses complied with the law in July 2005, and 25 percent in October 2005.
The Mobil station at 213 S. Main St. was found not in compliance Friday after an underage decoy agent was sent in, Elburn Police Chief James Linane said.
Zohair Mawji, 66, the Mobil clerk, was given a citation for violating a state law against selling tobacco products to minors, police said. The violation can mean a fine of $200 for the first offense, $400 for the second offense within a 12-month period, and $600 for a third offense within a 12-month period. He is scheduled to appear Dec. 7 at the Kane County Judicial Center.
The six businesses found compliant were B.P. Amoco at 940 N. Main St., Elburn Liquors at 319 S. Main St., Emma's Pub and Cantina at 117 N. Main St., Jewel-Osco at 800 N. Main St., Knucklehead's Tavern at 108 E. North St. and Valley Liquors, 151 E. Route 38.
"I think we do a pretty good job and the businesses do, too," Linane said. "Between education and the fact that they know we will check, we're keeping the businesses on their toes. But obviously, because we had one not in compliance, we have to try harder."
The Elburn Police Department has received a $1,100 "Kids Can't Buy 'Em Here" grant each year since 2005 from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
The grant covers the cost of educational materials which the police distribute to businesses that sell tobacco, including posters and signs that can be prominently displayed on counters or in windows.
Undercover checks using an underage decoy are made two or three times a year, and Linane said that there will be additional checks using the current grant.