TOWNSHIP FINES TWO SHOPS FOR UNDER-AGED TOBACCO SALES

Health Officer Robert Roe

The Maplewood Health Department announced last year it planned to crackdown on sales of cigarettes to minors and launched an undercover program in which an under-aged Township employee sought to buy tobacco products in local shops.

Health Officer Robert Roe revealed earlier this month that the sting operation result in summonses issued to two businesses, one of which still has yet to pay the $250 fine.

State law bars sales of cigarettes to anyone under 19 years of age. The Township is currently considering raising the age in Maplewood to 21. 

Roe stated that both Village Wine Shop on Maplewood Avenue and Puff 'n Stuff on Irvington Avenue were cited on Dec. 2, 2015 for selling to an under-aged patron sent in by the Township. 

Village Wine Shop pleaded guilty and paid the fine, but Puff 'n Stuff has yet to do so and a warrant has been issued for its owner.

In an unrelated health department action, the Township also suspended the massage permit of Health and Beauty Spa Inc. at 1933 Springfield Ave. 

Roe said the suspension was issued on Feb. 19, 2016 after a routine inspection of the location. He did not reveal the specific violations, but said such inspections look at cleanliness and other code requirements.