Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

08/12/2011

Department Releases Results of Liquor Compliance Checks in Clinton

 HARTFORD, August 12 – The Department of Consumer Protection is releasing the results of a undercover compliance check conducted yesterday in Clinton. On Thursday, August 11, between 4 pm and 9 pm, agents from the Department’s Liquor Control Division and officers from the Clinton Police Department conducted a series of compliance checks of 18 package stores, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants in town.  A volunteer minor who had been trained by the Governor's Prevention Partnership assisted with the checks. Of the 18 Clinton businesses tested for compliance, it is alleged that two businesses failed the check by selling to the youth.

The two businesses that allegedly failed by selling liquor to a minor are:

  • Town and Country Market, 153 Glenwood Road, Clinton
  • Ortega's Mexican Restaurant, 192 East Main Street, Clinton

“Compliance checks help us to identify businesses that are selling to minors, and we routinely conduct random checks in towns across the state,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said. “Our objective is to find businesses that knowingly or unknowingly sell alcohol to minors and bring them into compliance with state law.” 

However, he added, compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses.

“We don’t try to trick or entice establishments to sell alcoholic beverages to youth,” Rubenstein said. “If asked for proof of age before making a liquor purchase, the volunteer youth will hand over his or her actual photo I.D.”


The businesses that allegedly sold to the minor will be brought before the Liquor Control Commission for an administrative hearing, at which time they will have an opportunity to address the charges.

-end-

Media Contact: Claudette Carveth
860-713-6022
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