What term describes the enforcement of minimum-purchase-age laws against selling alcohol and tobacco to minors?

The term that describes the enforcement of minimum-purchase-age laws against selling alcohol and tobacco to minors is "stings." In the context of substance regulation and prevention, stings are undercover operations designed to catch businesses or individuals who are not complying with laws that prohibit the sale of these substances to minors.

During a sting operation, law enforcement or regulation officers may send a minor, often trained to follow instructions, to attempt to purchase alcohol or tobacco. If the seller violates the law by completing the sale, they can face legal consequences, including fines or potential license revocation. These strategies not only help to hold retailers accountable but also serve as a deterrent to other sellers who might consider violating such laws.

The other options do not accurately describe this specific enforcement action. "Operations" is too broad a term, while "buys" does not pertain to the legal enforcement aspect. "Density surveys" refer to research methods used to assess the availability of substances in a given area rather than enforcement actions against retailers. Therefore, "stings" is the term that best captures the practice of enforcing laws regarding the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors.