A local drug and alcohol abuse prevention group conducted random compliance checks on alcohol and tobacco retailers last week. The results were promising.
The Bremerton
Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition tested 22 alcohol
retailers in the city to see if they would sell to minors. Only
three made the illegal sales, according to a
news release.
The coalition also checked nine tobacco retailers. None sold to minors.
The coalition is a partnership between Kitsap County, Bremerton Police and the state Liquor Control Board.
The agencies were assisted in the checks by investigative aides from youth groups at Emmanuel Apostolic Church and Living Life Leadership. The minors attempt to purchase tobacco or alcohol, and present their real identification or no identification when requested.
The checks are conducted regularly in an effort to dissuade illegal sales. Enforcement officers can fine or suspend businesses for violations.
Results from the Bremerton coalition’s checks were more positive than the findings of a state report released this year. The Synar Report found many Kitsap County retailers willing to sell cigarettes to minors.
