HAHNVILLE — The St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office recently conducted compliance checks on 30 parish establishments, with the majority of businesses targeted refusing illegal sales to underage buyers.

“We do the checks often because it keeps everybody on their toes,” Capt. Patrick Yoes said. “We are very pleased that most businesses do comply.”

The St. Charles Parish Juvenile Investigations Division, assisted by members of the Criminal Investigations Bureau, conducted alcohol and tobacco compliance checks Feb. 13 at businesses selling alcohol, tobacco or other types of products containing nicotine. 

Authorities said during the operation, 12 misdemeanor summons were issued at 11 businesses for selling the products to individuals who were not of the proper age to purchase the products. 

Frequent compliance checks, Yoes said, means the majority of businesses checked randomly and often throughout the year are found in compliance.

Seven targeted businesses sold tobacco products or products containing nicotine to individuals who were under 18. They include:

• St. Rose Travel Center (10401 Airline Hwy. in St. Rose)

• Dollar General (10800 LA 48 in St. Rose)

• Lakewood Shell (12139 US 90 in Luling)

• 985 Vapors (124 Longview Drive Suite #13 in Destrehan)

• Big River Food and Fuel (13470 LA 48 in Destrehan)

• Big River Food and Fuel (878 Marino Drive in Norco)

• Corner Market (12609 Airline Hwy. in Destrehan)

Five targeted businesses sold alcoholic beverages to individuals who were under 21.

They include:

• Big River Food and Fuel (878 Marino Drive in Norco)

• Pit Stop 2 (12205 US 90 in Luling)

• Birdies (15226 US 90 in Paradis)

• Big River Food and Fuel (15255 US 90 in Paradis)

• Des Allemands Cheap Smokes (17176 US 90 in Des Allemands)

Officials said fines accompany the unlawful sale of tobacco and alcoholic products to minors, and jail time is also a possibility for underage alcohol sales.

Eighteen of the 30 businesses visited during the check were found to be in compliance.

“The clerks at these businesses denied the sale of alcohol, tobacco or other types of products containing nicotine to the underage individual,” a Sheriff’s Office press release said.