The Lehighton Borough Police Department, working in conjunction with the American Lung Association, conducted Tobacco Compliance checks Thursday of local retailers who offer tobacco products for sale.

The police department is dedicated to the health and well-being of its residents, and recognizes the need to ensure its local retailers are complying with state laws governing the sales of tobacco products to minors.

The borough currently has 14 retail businesses which sell a variety of tobacco related products.

Of the “compliance checks” conducted, there were four retailers that sold a tobacco product to the minor (age 16), working with the police department.

Offenders were The Smokers Club, 121 South First St., Pete’s Vape Shop, 180 South First St., Carbon Mini Mart, 105 Iron St., and Sunoco Service Station, 32 Blakeslee Blvd.

Retailers found in violation will be issued administrative fines in accordance to state laws. For the first documented offense, the fine ranges from $100-$500.

The remaining 10 retailers who were in compliance will receive a letter from the state advising a “compliance check” was conducted and their business were in compliance.

The police department will continue to conduct random compliance checks to ensure the borough’s retailers follow the laws regulating the sale of tobacco products.