The State Liquor Authority says two of eight businesses checked in Erie and Niagara counties appeared to sell alcohol to an underage decoy.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The New York State Liquor Authority says two Western New York businesses appeared to sell alcohol to an underage agent during compliance checks conducted in Erie and Niagara counties.
According to the agency, investigators conducted the compliance checks on June 26 with the assistance of an underage agent.
Eight licensed businesses were visited as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to monitor compliance with state alcohol laws.
According to the State Liquor Authority, they say the following businesses allegedly appeared to sell alcoholic beverages to the underage agent:
Roundabout Wine & Liquor, 3842 Harlem Road, Suite 500, CheektowagaShip Bar and Grill LLC, 5612 Tonawanda Creek Road, Lockport
The SLA said the findings are only recommendations from its Enforcement Unit and do not mean the businesses will be formally charged.
Six other businesses appeared to be in compliance and refused to sell alcohol to the minor.
The agency said employees or licensees who sell alcohol to minors can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. Licensees charged by the SLA with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with first-time fines ranging from $2,500 to $4,000. Repeat offenders also could face suspension or be stripped of their liquor licenses.
The SLA also noted that anyone under 21 found using a fake or someone else’s identification to purchase alcohol can be arrested and have their driver’s license suspended or revoked for at least 90 days and up to one year.
The investigations were conducted by undercover decoys working under the direct supervision of SLA Beverage Control investigators.