Employees at two Albert Lea businesses illegally sold tobacco to an underage decoy during compliance checks Tuesday conducted by the Albert Lea Police Department.

Korner Mart on West Front Street and MarketPlace Foods on West Main Street conducted the illegal sales, according to a news release.

During the checks, a detective supervised a 17-year-old decoy attempting to purchase tobacco products at 27 businesses.

Korner Mart reportedly had a previous illegal sale in 2016.

Both the state’s provisional driver’s license and instructional permit illustrate the date the holder becomes 18. An additional “under 21” notation is above the photo.

According to the release, a 1997 state law requires law enforcement to conduct tobacco compliance checks at least once per year. Retail clerks who sell tobacco to minors are issued summons to court for the first violation, which carries a maximum penalty of not more than 90 days in jail and a fine of not more than $1,000.

A second violation by the same clerk within a five-year period is a gross misdemeanor violation.

Administrative penalties of up to $250 and a seven-day suspension of a tobacco license can be assessed to businesses for failing checks.