New York ‘Nutcracker’ Trend Prompts State Liquor Official’s Alert

HARTFORD — Following a recent New York Daily News article describing the proliferation of alcohol-laced fruit punch being sold by the cup in some New York City bodegas (“Bodegas Dealing Sweet Liquor Punch to City Teens,” January 3, 2010), the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection this week sent an advisory to many Connecticut police departments adjacent to New York, including the Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, and Bridgeport Police Departments.

“We want to bring to their attention this information regarding the sale of ‘nutcrackers’ and ‘nemos’ in some New York City delis and bodegas, and ask for their help in uncovering this activity if it exists in Connecticut,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, said. As commissioner of Consumer Protection, Mr Farrell serves as chairman of the Connecticut Liquor Control Commission.

The Daily News article describes such “nutcrackers” and “nemos” as sweet punch, with alcohol added. “Many convenience stores may sell a variety of nonalcoholic sweet drinks, but this item, sold in such a manner, seems to try to operate under the radar,” the commissioner said

There are approximately 900 grocery store beer permits throughout the state; all are licensed and regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection. A licensee having such a “grocery store beer permit” can only sell beer, not any other kind of alcohol.

No alcohol of any kind can be sold to anyone under the age of 21.

The department’s advisory specifically inquires whether any local patrol officers, school resource officers or investigators have seen these types of illegal sales in any grocery store beer permit location within their jurisdictions. The agency also vowed to assist local police officers with any investigations or inspections as needed.

“In short order, we plan to notify all the larger police agencies throughout the state, including the Hartford Police, the Danbury Police, and the Waterbury Police,” Me Farrell said. In addition, the department will be issuing an advisory to the more than 1,200 registered email contacts.

It is illegal for a licensed grocery store to sell these distilled spirits to anyone, let alone a child, from their store.

“For any grocer in Connecticut who may be selling these ‘nutcrackers,’ the message is clear — if you persist in selling these illegal alcoholic drinks to our children, or anyone, you will be identified and your permit will be in great jeopardy,” Mr Farrell said.