Our Viewpoint
Selling tobacco to minors not tolerated

Last week, a tobacco sting targeting local stores produced disappointing results.

The stores are tested regularly to see if they will sell tobacco products to our youth. It is against the law for anyone under the age of 17 to purchase any tobacco products.

During this operation, seven stores were tested and four failed. These four sold products to a 15-year-old without checking for identification.

Once they fail this test, the clerks at the stores are ticketed with a citation that is punishable by a fine up to $500.

But that is not enough.

As a community we need to stand tough with these stores in letting them know that we are not pleased with their actions on this front.

It is widely known that tobacco is a gateway drug for our youth. Once they are finished with simple tobacco products, they will move on to harder drugs.

Also, the health dangers affiliated with tobacco use needs to be stressed to our youth as well.

There is a simple process that these stores need to follow when it comes to selling tobacco to anyone under the age of 17.

Don't do it.

Anyone who purchases tobacco products needs to provide identification proving they are of age. It's a simple rule that should be easily enforced.

If these businesses are interested in becoming a vital part of the community, the choice is simple.

Roses go to….

t Area schools that earned acceptable marks from the Texas Education Agency on their school rankings.

tAll the businesses that took part in the bidding process for Jasper baseball autographed photo.

Thorns go to….

t The four stores that failed the recent test by the police department and sold tobacco products during a sting operation. Get with the program or quit selling the product.