Seven out of ten stores in the town of Coventry passed a recent compliance check for alcohol sales to minors, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said today.
On Saturday, March 13, 2010 beginning at 5:00 PM, Department of Consumer Protection liquor control agents, working with officers from the Coventry Police Department and underage volunteers, conducted alcohol compliance checks at bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and package stores in Coventry to identify any business that made unlawful sales of alcohol to minors.
A total of ten (10) establishments were tested for compliance and three (3) failed by selling to a volunteer youth provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.
“We routinely conduct these alcohol compliance checks in towns across the state,” Commissioner Farrell said. “Our objective is to find those businesses that are selling to minors and bring them into compliance with state law.” However, Farrell added, the compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses.
“In no way do we try to trick or entice establishments to sell alcoholic liquor to youth,” Farrell said. “If asked for proof of age before making a liquor purchase, the volunteers will hand over his or her actual ID.”
The three stores that failed and face administrative action before the Liquor Control Commission are:
- Coventry Wine and Spirits, 8 Daly Road, Coventry
- Dimitri’s Restaurant, 3444 Main Street
- Michael’s Penalty Box, 11 Daly Road, Coventry
“I would like to thank Chief Mark Palmer and the officers of the Coventry Police Department in partnering with the Division of Liquor Control on these very important compliance checks,” Farrell said.
