Two Stores Penalized

For Underage Alcohol Sales

Based on two South Main Street stores’ illegal sale of beer last August to an underage undercover agent for the state Liquor Control Division, the state has levied temporary alcohol sales suspensions and fines against both of the businesses.

John Suchy, director of the state Liquor Control Division, said February 5 that the Super Stop & Shop supermarket at Sand Hill Plaza at 228 South Main Street, would not sell any beer on February 6, and also has paid a $3,000 fine.

Also, World of Wine & Spirits of Newtown of 71 South Main Street will close for business on February 25, February 26, and February 27, and has paid a fine of $750, Mr Suchy said.

Clerks at the two stores illegally sold beer last August 11 to a 17-year-old girl was working as an undercover agent in alcohol compliance checks conducted by the Liquor Control Division, and aided by Newtown police. In the alcohol compliance check, the girl sought to buy a six-pack of beer at ten local businesses that sell beer. The minimum legal age to buy alcohol in Connecticut is 21.

Signs noting the alcohol violation, the temporary suspension, and the fine which was levied against each business are posted at the stores to notify the public, Mr Suchy said. Also, a liquor control agent will check the premises to ensure that the stores comply with the penalty, he said.

The penalties levied against the stores are “negotiated settlements” reached between the state and the stores, Mr Suchy said. By agreeing to the penalties, the businesses waive their right to appeal the violations, he said.

The state’s liquor enforcement unit issues between 225 and 250 such penalties statewide annually against stores that illegally sell alcohol, he said.

State officials and town police occasionally conduct undercover operations locally to check on whether local businesses are illegally selling alcohol and tobacco to underage persons.