Underage sales sting busts 41

Local News

July 22, 2011

Staff Reports The Tonawanda News The Tonawanda News Fri Jul 22, 2011, 09:39 PM EDT

NIAGARA FALLS — Eleven businesses from Niagara Falls have been charged with selling alcohol to minors as part of the largest underage sting ever conducted by the New York State Liquor Authority.

Overall, 41 businesses were charged in the sting, which included authority investigators working with underage volunteer decoys to target 124 establishments in Western New York. The decoys were able to purchase alcohol at locations in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Rochester between June 16 and 17.

In the Falls, several small neighborhood convenience stores were charged as were larger locations such as Walgreens at 1202 Pine Ave., Wilson Farms at 2824 Pine Ave., and the Rodeway Inn, 492 Main St.

At several of the 41 businesses, no proof of ID was requested, according to a press release issued by the liquor authority. At other locations, the decoys were asked to provide their birth dates or to provide IDs. In all instances, decoys provided their actual birth dates, indicating they were under 21.

“The State Liquor Authority is committed to cracking down on underage sales,” said SLA Chairman Dennis Rosen. “These details will continue, and licensees must understand when they sell to minors, they are putting their license and livelihood in jeopardy.”

Licensees charged with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting at $2,500 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders also face possible suspension or revocation of their licenses. In addition, employees or licensees who sell to minors can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

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