Two stores cited for underage tobacco sales last year |

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WECT) - North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement cited 243 store clerks across the state for selling tobacco or tobacco products to minors during the last fiscal year, according to numbers released Monday.

The citations were part of 1,870 unannounced checks in 90 counties across North Carolina. ALE agents make monthly checks and cite clerks who fail to check ID for a minor or sell even after checking ID.

A clerk who is cited without any prior convictions could face a fine of up to $1,000 or community punishment up to 30 days.  Clerks with prior convictions could face jail time.

In Columbus County, the stores cited according to a release include:

• Piggly Wiggly of Chadbourn 44 at 121 E Strawberry Blvd in Chadbourn
• Food Lion 1694 at 108 Tabor Crossing Shopping in Tabor City

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