Gregory Bacon

gbacon@observertoday.com

Five businesses in Chautauqua County have been cited for selling tobacco products to underage individuals.

According to the Chautauqua County Board of Health, the following were first-time violators who sold tobacco to an individual under 21:

— Tex’s Quick Stop, Stacy Phelps, dba Sherman Service Center, 103 Main St., Sherman.

— Sunset BLD, Inc., Kelly Borrello, dba Sunset Bay Deli, 1014 Newton St., Irving.

— United Refining Co. of Pennsylvania, dba KwikFill, 301 E. Fairmount Ave., Jamestown.

Each business paid a $300 fine, along with a $250 required surcharge.

The following were second-time violators who sold tobacco to an individual under 21:

— Michael Giarizzo dba Hogan Hut, Ltd., 3503 Old Bridge Road, Stow.

— Ashville General Store Inc., dba Ashville General Store 4828 Rt. 474, Ashville.

Both businesses were fined $1,000, along with a $250 surcharge.

County health officials have explained that in the past they send underage individuals into businesses and see if they are permitted to buy tobacco products. If they succeed the business is cited. The owners can plead guilty or go before a hearing officer.

Jessica Wuerstle with the county Department of Health noted that a business that is fined twice in a three-year period can lose its license to sell tobacco and lottery tickets.

In this group, Wuerstle said both Hogan Hut and the Ashville General Store were cited more than three years ago, so the state is not expected to ban them from selling tobacco and lottery products.