Two local gas stations that sold cigarettes to minors last year faced the Board of Health Tuesday night, but left with virtually no punishment for the violations.
That is because the Board of Health only two weeks ago found out that the Marathon Mobil on West Union Street and Shell Station on Union Street sold cigarettes to minors in September.
“I just wish we had known in September,” Board of Health Chairman Leslie Githens said.
The board two weeks ago learned the results of a federal Food and Drug Administration sting operation, members said Tuesday night.
As a result, officials missed the 10-day window to fine the gas stations.
“You saved $100 tonight,” board member Malcolm Smart told Marathon Mobil owner David Diprizio.
The board Tuesday night opted not to take any other disciplinary action, since the violations occurred so long ago.
Meanwhile, the business owners said they have upped enforcement and increased signs in their gas stations.
“We obviously started enforcing the rules again,” said Diprizio.
He said he only received the FDA report in December about the illegal sale, which occurred on Sept. 10, 2011.
Shell Station Regional Manager Mario Vendittelli also said he received the FDA report in December.
He also complained that the FDA did not say who the cashier was nor the time of the sale.
“Tell us who it was so this way we can retrain them,” Vendittelli said.
Both owners said employees undergo training about getting identification.
Vendittelli said registers prompt employees to enter the customer’s birth date.
“We hope that they use this. Unfortunately we’ve seen people put their own birth date in there,” he said.
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