11.   He says he is not extorting money but forcing merchants to obey the law against selling tobacco to minors -- a role he says police departments are not filling.

12.   In fact, he was taking part in a sting, or undercover, operation aimed at stores that sell tobacco to minors.

13.   In three immense warehouses of tens of thousands of square feet, auctioneers sell the tobacco grown along Moye-Turnage and other roads leading to town.

14.   It is proposing sweeping new regulations on how tobacco is sold, distributed and advertised.

15.   More flue-cured tobacco is sold in this expansive aluminum storeroom than anywhere else in the country.

16.   Similarly, cigarette makers had long frustrated public health activists who sought national legislation aimed at restricting how tobacco is sold, especially to children.

17.   Stores that sold tobacco to minors would have their licenses revoked and would be unable to sell tobacco for a time.

18.   The print ads, intended to be posted in or around stores that sell tobacco, urge consumers to be patient with retailers when they seek proof of age.

19.   The rules would let tobacco be sold only over the counter to customers showing ID.

20.   The tobacco is sold later, when demand is stronger and prices are higher.