9 stores busted on sales of alcohol, smokes

Nine businesses sold alcohol or tobacco to underage patrons Monday during a compliance check by the METRICH Enforcement Unit.

METRICH Commander Lt. Keith Porch said authorities stopped by 76 businesses that sold either alcohol or tobacco. The clerks of the violating businesses were issued summonses, and liquor violations are pending on the business owners as well.

Porch commended the businesses that complied with the law.

Other participating agencies included the Mansfield Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Bellville Police Department and Community Action for Capable Youth.

Violations were reported at the following businesses:
 Marathon Gas Station, 495 Woodville Road (alcohol).
 Walgreens: 1000 Park Avenue West (tobacco).
 Mini Mart: 302 Marion Ave. (alcohol).
 J&J Mart:305 Marion Ave. (alcohol).
 Cornell’s IGA:140 Mansfield Ave., Shelby (alcohol and tobacco).
 Mountain Drive Thru: 481 Springmill St. (alcohol and tobacco).
 In & Out Mart: 300 N. Mulberry St. (tobacco).
 Shell Gas Station: 750 Ohio 97, Bellville (alcohol).
 Bell Store:1340 Lexington-Springmill Rd Ontario (tobacco).

Originally published in the News Journal on June 26, 2013.