A Coventry store was charged with selling alcohol to a minor after failing a routine compliance check, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said today.
On Saturday, July 31st, agents from the Department’s Division of Liquor Control and officers from the Coventry Police Department partnered to conduct compliance checks of local businesses that sell liquor. Twelve locations were tested and one (1) failed by selling to an 18 year-old volunteer trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.
Coventry Wine and Spirits at 8 Daly Road failed by selling alcohol to the undercover youth and may now face administrative action before the Liquor Control Commission.
Businesses that were checked and did NOT sell to a minor include:
Michaels Penalty Box, 11 Daly Road
Bidwell Tavern, 1260 Main Street
Lakeside Restaurant. 50 Lake Street
Highland Park Market, 1721 Boston Turnpike
Meadowbrook Wine and Spirits, 1687 Boston Turnpike
Boston Turnpike Wine and Spirits, 2795 Boston Turnpike
Bidwell Spirit Shop, 1220 Main Street
Skungamaug River Golf Course, 104 Folly Lane
Dimitri’s, 3444 Main Street
Twin Hills Country Club, 199 Bread and Milk Street
Coventry Pizza Restaurant, 1467 South Street
Constantino’s Pizza Restaurant at 1203 Main Street was not tested because it was closed, agents said.
“I applaud the 11 businesses that were fully compliant with the law and I thank the police officers for their assistance,” Commissioner Farrell said. “Compliance operations are consistently useful in helping us identify licensed or permitted locations that are selling alcoholic beverages to minors.” However, Farrell added, the compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses.
“We don’t try to trick or entice establishments to sell alcoholic beverages to youth,” Farrell said. “If asked their age before making a liquor purchase, the volunteer youths hand over their actual ID. If asked their age, the youths will tell their true age. Our goal is to find businesses that sell to minors and bring them into compliance with state liquor laws.”
Coventry Wine and Spirits is charged with selling liquor to a minor and will be brought before the Liquor Control Commission for an administrative hearing, at which time the charges will be addressed.
