Local law enforcement announced Thursday that only 17 of 36 businesses in Austin had passed the tobacco compliance checks. Six of those businesses also failed the checks last year.

The failing grades for some of these stores doesn't reflect well on the stores or its employees. But more importantly, selling tobacco to minors contributes to a larger problem.

For the most part, people start smoking when they're young. The stores who do not check IDs are helping minors become addicted.

This isn't to say minors can't get tobacco elsewhere, but why not cut off one of their sources? Employees need to understand that feeling embarrassed for carding someone is less important than keeping tobacco from people under 18.

These stores have an opportunity to stop a habit that is proven to be harmful -- even fatal. We encourage stores to train employees and use the sheriff's training programs.

One glance at an ID just might prevent a minor from lighting up.