On July 3, 2026, the New York State Police conducted an Underage Drinking Initiative (UDI) throughout Jefferson County, focusing on retail establishments licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.

As part of the enforcement effort, investigators checked 15 businesses for compliance with New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control laws. The initiative is designed to ensure that businesses properly verify identification and do not sell alcoholic beverages to individuals under the age of 21.

One business was found to be not in compliance after an alcoholic beverage was sold to an 18-year-old operative. 

The following business was found not in compliance:

Johnson Corner Mart, 16½ Bridge Street, Village of West Carthage 

As a result of the investigation, Paul J. Bailey, 20, an employee of Johnson Corner Mart, was arrested on July 8, 2026, and charged with:

Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree (Alcohol) (PL 260.20[2]), a Class A misdemeanor. 

Bailey was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Village of West Carthage Court at a later date.

The following businesses were found in compliance with New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control laws:

Kinney Drugs, 401 State Street, Carthage Dollar General, 700 West End Avenue, Carthage Dollar General, 61 Franklin Street, Carthage Circle K, 90 Bridge Street, Carthage Johnson Corner Mart II, 3 South Broad Street, Carthage Twin Village Liquors, 93 Bridge Street, Carthage Stewart’s Shops, 9 North Broad Street, Carthage Dollar General, 32270 State Route 3, Great Bend Stewart’s Shops, 32720 State Route 3, Great Bend Stewart’s Shops, 28715 State Route 3, Black River Dollar General, 28525 State Route 3, Black River Stewart’s Shops, 8722 Noble Street, Evans Mills Route 11 Wine & Liquor, 26179 U.S. Route 11, Evans Mills Sunoco, 25744 U.S. Route 11, Evans Mills 

The New York State Police commend these businesses for their diligence and commitment to preventing underage drinking.

During Underage Drinking Initiative details, investigators utilize plainclothes members and underage operatives who are prohibited from lying about their age or presenting false identification if asked. Businesses that request identification and refuse the sale when appropriate are considered compliant.

The New York State Police will continue conducting Underage Drinking Initiative details throughout the region to promote responsible alcohol sales and help prevent underage drinking.