An investigation by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) shows that Bronx stores are more likely to sell cigarettes to minors.

The DCA performed about 15,000 inspections last year with the help of teenagers. The undercover teenage agents found that they were sometimes not carded or were still allowed to purchase cigarettes, even after presenting ID as a minor. Stores that were repeat offenders now face losing their license. The DCA found that the majority of stores, about 84 percent, did follow procedure and refused to sell to minors. Bronx residents can report infractions to the city?s information line at 311.

City health officials say 90 percent of Bronx and city high school students do not smoke cigarettes, which is well below the national average.