Police Cite Hartland Shell For Selling Cigarettes to Minors

The was one of seven retailers in Livingston County that were ticketed for selling tobacco to minors in a recent sting, according to the Livingston County Sheriff's Department.

Hartland Patch could not reach the owners for comment Thursday.

Selling tobacco to minors is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $50 for each violation, according to a news release about the tickets.

The other businesses cited were: I-96 Shell in Genoa Township, Marathon Gas in Brighton Township, Reem’s Sunoco Mini Mart in Howell Township, Bella Market in Marion Township, Fowlerville Exit Sunoco in Fowlerville and Lakeland Mobil in Hamburg Township, the release said.

The operation — in which 24 retailers were found in compliance — included teen volunteers between the ages of 15-17 under the supervision of a deputy and in partnership with Karen Bergbower and Associates, a substance abuse assessment, prevention, and outpatient treatment agency.

Teens were told to try to buy cigarettes from randomly selected stores "by being truthful about their ages and without providing identification." It was conducted between Aug. 12 and Sept. 16.