WORTH COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - Seven Worth County stores were issued citations and potential fines after failing an underage controlled substance sales compliance check on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The operation was conducted by the Worth County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) with assistance from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

The operation looked at 17 different establishments in Worth County cities, including Sumner, Poulan, Warwick, and Sylvester. Seven of the seventeen stores failed the compliance check. Those businesses are subject to fines, license action, and penalties under the law, according to a WCSO press release.

Investigators ensured businesses followed state and federal laws on regulated products. Authorities used supervised teens to attempt purchases of alcohol, vape products, tobacco, and THC items.

“Preventing underage access to alcohol, vapes, and THC products is critical to the safety and well-being of our community,” said Sheriff Don Whitaker. “These compliance checks are not intended to punish businesses, but to ensure accountability and encourage responsible practices.”

The WCSO encourages business owners to train employees on identification procedures to comply with the law. Additional checks will be conducted throughout new years and in 2026.

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