STATE, COUNTY WANT TO HEAR ABOUT ILLEGAL SALES TO MINORS

Q I have a complaint about a local convenience store, which is selling
alcohol and cigarettes to minors on a daily basis. I contacted the Santa
Clara County Sheriff's Office, which wasn't interested. I then called the
Cupertino Police Department, which told me to report it to the alcohol
board. But they too told me it wasn't a high priority.

We sent my 13-year-old daughter to the store to buy cigarettes. She wasn't
asked for any ID. My 18- and 20-year-old sons were able to buy alcohol
without any problems. All the high school kids talk about how easy it is to
buy cigarettes and alcohol at this store. That's why I would like to see
something done.

M.S.
Sunnyvale

A You must have talked to the wrong people, because both the sheriff's
office and the State Alcohol Beverage Control office are very interested in
receiving information about sales of these products to underage people.

Lydia Engdol, ABC office district spokesman, says her office has a variety
of ongoing programs targeting stores that sell alcohol to people under 21
years of age. She says complaints are supposed to be taken over the phone
and suggests you call (408) 277-1200 to report this again.

Mark Eastus, sheriff's office spokesman, says that department also takes
reports about businesses that sell alcohol and cigarettes to people under
age. Eastus says the office has a special division set up to investigate
such complaints and when you called the sheriff's office you should have
been directed to this program. Call (408) 299-3238 to file a complaint,
Eastus adds.

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