Claremore Daily Progress

Top Stories

August 29, 2009

Claremore convenience stores fail compliance checks

Tom Fink

Claremore — Five convenience stores in Claremore were recently found in violation of state laws regarding the sale of tobacco and alcohol to minors during a citywide compliance check.

“On Aug. 21, officers Doug Woodward and Steve Cox conducted alcohol and compliance checks at local convenience and liquor stores,” said Capt. Danny Dobbins, Claremore Police Department. “These compliance checks were made with the help of young operatives from the ‘2M2L’ or ‘Too Much Too Lose’ program.

“2M2L” is a youth leadership camp designed to assist young people in developing a plan to reduce and prevent underage drinking in their community. Campers leave with an understanding of how to change the environment in their community in regards to alcohol and underage drinking.

“Of the 16 stores visited, five of them failed in the check, selling either alcohol and/or tobacco to an underage person, working with the police,” Dobbins said.

Stores which failed the compliance check and sold alcohol and tobacco to underage patrons were Kum & Go East, Kum & Go North, Buy & Bye, and Smitty’s.

Will Rogers Market Place sold alcohol to an underage patron but not tobacco.

Claremore convenience or liquor stores included in the compliance check who did not sell tobacco or alcohol to a minor were Pit Stop, Quick Mart, Bottle Shack, QuikTrip, Kwick Stop, Patriot Wine & Spirits, Shell, Spirits of 66, Quick-N-Easy, AJ’s, and OD’s Faststop.

“Stores which sold (tobacco or alcohol) were issued citations, and each store that was not compliant will receive a follow-up visit from ‘2M2L’ to receive educational materials,” Dobbins said.

On a personal note, Dobbins said he felt a five to 16 ration of stores failing the comply with the underage alcohol/tobacco sale laws was far too high.

“Obviously, we’re wanting no stores to sell tobacco or alcohol to underage persons,” he said. “This only reinforces our intent to bring vendors into compliance with the law, regarding selling these things to minors.”

Text Only
Top Stories