MIDDLEBORO — Eight tobacco establishments received fines from the select board Jan. 27 for selling tobacco products to minors.

They also got strong words from officials, who reminded them that tobacco products cannot be sold to anyone younger than 21 and that the town takes the issue seriously. 

“I have children,’’ select board member Teresa Farley said. “I don’t appreciate the fact that they might be able to go somewhere and purchase something.’’

Resident Chris Van noted that teenagers will alert each other quickly via social media if establishments sell to minors. 

First-time violators were Cumberland Farms, 150 South Main St.; Kurt’s Corner, 353 Wareham St.; and Smoke Depot and Vape, 282 West Grove St.

Each company must pay a $1,000 fine.

Second-time violators were Gas Depot, 5 Station St.; Jamie’s Liquors, 10 Merchant Way; Maruti Mini Mart, 26 High St.; Middleboro Mart, 414 West Grove St. and Stop N Save, 158 Center St.

Each of those businesses must pay $2,000 and remove all tobacco products from their shelves until Feb. 4.

Signs have been placed at the businesses explaining that the tobacco products will not be available because of the violations. 

Stop N Save will also be unable to sell tobacco products for 90 days starting Feb. 26 after “untaxed tobacco products’’ were seized from the premises, according to the state Department of Revenue.

That case is separate from the town violations, the board said. 

“If you want to do business in Middleboro, follow the rules,’’ Select Board Chair Mark Germain said.