On Friday, December 16, 2011 and Saturday, December 17, 2011, Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Agents partnered with officers from the New Haven Police Department and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership to conduct compliance checks of sixty-four (64) package stores and grocery stores in New Haven, of which four (4) allegedly failed.
The four (4) establishments which were tested and allegedly failed by selling to one of the four volunteer youths were cited for selling alcoholic liquor to a minor, and will have the opportunity to meet with the Liquor Control Commission prior to any administrative action.
Those stores which allegedly failed are as follows:
College Wine, 68 Church Street
Rani’s Wine and Liquor, 998 State Street
Elm City Package Store, 544 Congress Avenue
R & M Corner Market, 39 Castle Street
“We wish to thank Chief Dean Esserman and the officers of the New Haven Police Department for their participation and support, and recognize the 60 local businesses that were in full compliance with the State’s liquor laws,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today. “Restricting sales of alcohol to minors is a responsibility that we expect retailers to faithfully observe throughout the year, in order to prevent needless tragedy”.
If and when they ARE found to be guilty, what will their punishment be? A MEASLY fine that they can recoup in a few days? This is why it will never stop. They should be shut down for a week or so. Same goes for restaurants/bars that serve to minors. It will never happen because all we do is coddle these people because they make too much money for the state coffers!