4 DuPage businesses cited for selling tobacco to minors

Four businesses in unincorporated areas of DuPage County were cited for selling cigarettes to minors this fiscal year, sheriff’s officials said Wednesday.

Authorities identified the businesses as 7-Eleven, 2S651 Lloyd Ave. near Lombard; BP Wash-N-Go, 2S780 Route 53 near Glen Ellyn; Wings Auto Repair, 22W070 Butterfield Road near Glen Ellyn; and BP Gas and Food, 2231 Maple Ave. near Downers Grove.

Police issued the tickets during four rounds of compliance checks in which the establishments sold cigarettes to minors who were working with authorities, according to a news release. A total of 41 DuPage businesses were inspected in the past 12 months.

“With nearly 20 percent of our high school students smoking, keeping tobacco out of the hands of our youth is a priority,” Sheriff John Zaruba said in a statement. “Through continuous education and enforcement, we can reduce the access, achieve compliance and have a positive impact on our future.”

The program, which requires police to educate retailers about tobacco laws before verifying their compliance, was funded by a grant from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

Violations can result in $200 fines, police said.