Evanston police issued citations Thursday to four city businesses for selling tobacco to minors.
The department’s check of 40 businesses licensed to sell tobacco found Babylon Discount Food, 1618 Emerson St., and Evanston Gas & Food Shell, 101 Ridge Ave., sold cigarettes without checking the buyer’s age. Police also cited two nearby businesses: Silver Pantry, 828 Davis St., and 7-Eleven, 817 Davis St.
EPD Cmdr. Jay Parrott said the checks take place about three times a year. Police obtain parental permission for minors to participate in the checks, and the minors attempt to purchase tobacco under police surveillance, signaling to officers if a successful purchase is made, Parrott said.
Hearings on the citations are scheduled for June 11 at the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center.
— Manuel Rapada
