St. Charles tobacco shop cited for selling to minor

A punishment could be forthcoming for a St. Charles tobacco shop charged with a series of city ordinance violations.

Al Tijara LLC, which operates the "Smoke/Vape" shop in the Foxfield Commons Shopping Center, is accused of selling tobacco or an alternative nicotine product to a customer under the age of 21 on three dates: Nov. 6, Dec. 3 and Jan. 20. On Dec. 3, the underage sale was completed by an employee who was also under the age of 21, according to the city's complaint.

A public hearing was held Monday, during which the business owner admitted to the allegations and discussed a mitigation plan that includes additional training, an ID screening machine and other efforts to prevent future violations.

Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Ray Rogina has 10 to 14 days to decide whether the tobacco shop at 2728 E. Main St. should be fined or have its license revoked or suspended.