Two Evanston Businesses Cited in Tobacco Sting Operations

Compliance checks find 7-11 and Food 4 Less sold to underage customers

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Police in Evanston, Illinois recently conducted tobacco compliance checks at 34 businesses in the city, citing two stores - 7-11 and Food 4 Less - for selling tobacco products to underage customers under the age of 21. The checks are part of an ongoing effort by the Evanston Police Department to ensure retailers are complying with minimum-age tobacco laws.

Why it matters

Underage tobacco sales are a major public health concern, as they can lead to nicotine addiction and long-term health issues in young people. These compliance checks are an important tool for local law enforcement to hold retailers accountable and keep tobacco out of the hands of minors.

The details

During the February 3rd compliance checks, police found that 7-11 at 817 Davis Street and Food 4 Less at 2400 Main Street both sold tobacco products to a person under 21 years old. Evanston police had previously announced they would be conducting these checks, providing retailers with an education packet to ensure they are properly verifying customer ages.

  • The compliance checks were conducted on February 3, 2026.
  • Evanston police announced they would start doing these checks in October.

The players

Evanston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Evanston, Illinois that conducted the tobacco compliance checks.

7-11

A convenience store chain located at 817 Davis Street in Evanston that was cited for selling tobacco to an underage customer.

Food 4 Less

A grocery store chain located at 2400 Main Street in Evanston that was cited for selling tobacco to an underage customer.

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What’s next

The Evanston Police Department has stated they will continue to conduct these tobacco compliance checks in the future to ensure local businesses are following the law.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of strict enforcement of minimum-age tobacco laws, as underage access to tobacco products remains a significant public health concern. Retailers must remain vigilant in verifying customer ages to avoid citations and penalties.