The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has banned two stores in Windsor-Essex from selling cigarettes after they were caught selling to minors twice in the past five years.

Automatic prohibition notices went out to Miller Service Limited at 407 Talbot St.W. in Leamington and Corner Store and Neighbourhood Pizzeria at 1500 Parent Ave. in Windsor. The ban for Miller Service Limited is one year, and six months for Corner Store and Neighbourhood Pizzeria.

Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, it’s illegal to sell or supply anybody under the age of 19 any tobacco product including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco and blunt wraps. Retailers are supposed to ask anyone who appears to be under the age of 25 for identification.

The health unit regularly conducts compliance inspections at all businesses that sell tobacco.