“Can I see your I.D,?” asks the cashier. “I don’t have one on me at the time,” says the female customer.

“I’m sorry but I can’t sell you the cigarettes without proper identification,” states the cashier.

The female thanks, the cashier and walks out of the Stripes Convenience Store.

Moments later, law enforcement officials walk into the store and notify the store employee that they had just been visited by an undercover officer as part of underage compliance inspections.

Maverick County Constable Pct. 3 AB Mario Hernandez congratulates the employee and urges the employees present to continue enforcing the law as Dictated in State law.

“It’s important to look at this type of issues,” says Hernandez. “We are out here operating under a grant which is aimed at curtailing underage smoking. In our line of work you often see underage kids with tobacco products.”

“Honestly, this is not good. First of all its illegal and it also is bad for your health,” elaborates Hernandez on smoking.

Hernandez states that working with different organizations to address this type of social ills among the youth is of great importance to him and his staff.

“I have worked with young children and we continue looking out for their best interest and try to keep them away from those ills that could put them in some tough predicaments,” added Hernandez.

The underage compliance operations are being conducted through a Texas State University School Safety Center grant program.