Employees at five Albert Lea businesses made illegal alcohol or tobacco sales to minors this week during police compliance checks.

Albert Lea police conducted the checks using decoys ages 18 to 20 for purchasing alcohol and ages 15 and 16 for purchasing tobacco, according to a news release.

Applebee’s and Hy-Vee reportedly sold alcohol illegally, while Cheers Liquor, Korner Mart and Nelson’s Shell illegally sold tobacco, the release stated.

The checks took place at 29 businesses selling alcohol and 23 businesses selling tobacco. Forty-seven businesses passed the checks.

The release stated many of the businesses that failed the checks did not ask for for proper identification. In Minnesota, a provisional driver’s license and instructional permit illustrates the date the holder becomes 18. There is also an “under 21” logo at the top of the photo on the card.

A 1997 state law requires law enforcement to conduct tobacco compliance checks at least once a year.

Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors are issued citations for the first violation, which carries a maximum penalty of not more than 90 days in jail and a fine of no more than $1,000. A second violation by the same clerk within a five-year period is a gross misdemeanor.

The establishment can face administrative penalties of up to $250 and a seven-day suspension of its tobacco license.

Retail clerks who sell alcohol to people under 21 are summoned to court and charged with a gross misdemeanor. The establishment is also subject to having its alcohol license suspended.