By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer 

Two businesses failed the tobacco compliance checks police conducted on 15 businesses that sell tobacco within the city of Prior Lake and on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux reservation May 7.

Crooks Smoke Shop, 2461 Sioux Trail, failed the compliance check for the third time in the last two years.

The same clerk, a 49-year-old Prior Lake woman, was cited for selling tobacco to a minor for the second time. The woman failed the compliance check on Nov. 20, 2007 and again on May 7. The case is being referred to the Scott County Attorney’s Office for formal criminal charges, said Lt. Randy Hofstad.

Crooks Smoke Shop also failed the compliance check on April 9, 2007, but it was a different person who sold the tobacco to a minor, Hofstad said.

The Hot Spot, 4995 160th St. also failed the tobacco compliance check on May 7. An 18-year-old Prior Lake woman was cited for selling tobacco to a minor. This was the first time Hot Spot failed the compliance check, Hofstad said.

The compliance checks are not designed to fool anyone, Hofstad said. An underage person goes into the store with a valid ID, stating they are under the age of 18, he said. If the person is asked to provide identification, they do.

Police also conducted alcohol compliance checks last week. All of the businesses with liquor licenses in Prior Lake complied with the checks.

 Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.