Recent tobacco retailer inspections in Auburn found six out of 36 retailers selling tobacco to underage teens in 2011.

This is a startling change from inspection findings in Auburn over the previous five years, when a total of 12 violations (out of 220 inspections) were found over the entire period, according to the Public Health – Seattle and King County.

Overall, King County’s high retailer compliance rate has dropped over the past two years from 96 percent in 2009 to 89 percent in 2011.

The six establishments found in violation this year are:

• 7-Eleven – 4026 A St. SE

• ARCO AM/PM – 3648 Auburn Way N.

• Auburn’s Main Street Market – 1119 E. Main St.

• Brown’s Corner Short Stop – 5550 Auburn Way S.

• Save Way Discount – 404 Auburn Way S.

• Walgreens – 1416 Harvey Road

In Washington State, selling tobacco to a minor is prohibited by law and results in a fine for retailers of $100 for the first offense and are educated about selling tobacco responsibly. The fine for a clerk is $50. Repeat offenders are fined up to $1,500 and may have their license to sell tobacco products suspended. Retailers refusing to sell tobacco to minors are congratulated in person and given an information packet. Because of the increased sales to minors, Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Program will focus more inspections in Auburn throughout the remainder of the year.

“We’ve made progress over the past 10 years in reducing the impact of tobacco addiction in our community, but we need to keep this good work going,” said Dr. David Fleming, director of Public Health – Seattle & King County.” As funding for proven tobacco prevention programs is eliminated statewide, the tobacco industry continues to find new ways to market products that appeal to kids.”

Retailer compliance checks are conducted throughout the year by Public Health and the Washington State Liquor Control Board, as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to new federal laws around tobacco and cigarettes.

Anyone who witnesses a merchant or other adults providing tobacco to a minor is encouraged to call Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Program at 206-296-7613 to file a confidential complaint, or text a message to 206-745-2548.

For more information about tobacco prevention, please visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/tobacco.