3 Hingham Stores are Caught in Tobacco Sting

Source from:  By Karen Goulart The Patriot Ledger Jun 20, 2008 06/23/2008

Employees at three businesses sold cigarettes to minors during a recent routine check of Hingham's 22 tobacco purveyors. Jerry McLaughlin, enforcement officer with the South Shore Boards of Health Collaborative Tobacco Control Program, reported to the health board Thursday that cigarettes were sold to 17-year-olds working with the collaborative at Stop & Shop and the Exxon Tiger Mart on Lincoln Street and the Hingham Market and Deli on Main Street on May 28. The sale at the Tiger Mart was the store's second violation. The board voted to levy a $200 fine and suspend tobacco sales for seven days. The fine and suspension of sales are typical for businesses caught breaking tobacco laws for a second time. The board also ordered owner Richard Demelis to bring in an independent auditor to help the store come into line with the law and create a comprehensive compliance plan. The board has ordered this measure in the past with a second-time offender. The illegal sale at the Stop & Shop was the store's first offense. The board levied a $100 fine and ordered store manager Mike Keany to provide a tobacco law compliance plan. In the case of the Hingham Market and Deli, the board chose to dismiss the incident without prejudice. Former store owner Jacqueline Smith told the board she finalized the sale of her business May 31 and the store is now in the hands of a new owner. The board did not think it would be fair to impose any fines or impose any demands on the new owner. Karen Goulart may be reached at kgoulart@ledger.com. Enditem