HARTFORD, April 17 – In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, the Department of Consumer Protection, Liquor Control Division is highlighting the results of its the ongoing compliance and enforcement efforts that raise public awareness and help reduce youth access to alcohol.

“The ongoing mission of our Liquor Control Division is to safeguard the health and safety of Connecticut citizens by regulating all persons and firms involved in distributing, selling, and dispensing alcoholic liquor, in order to prevent sales to minors and intoxicated persons, maintain product integrity, and ensure that licensed premises are safe and sanitary,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said. “One of our key enforcement activities is conducting compliance checks of liquor retailers in cities and towns across the state, to provide ongoing awareness of the law and to correct infractions as needed. This effort is also an effective means of reducing youth access to alcoholic liquor.”

In 2012, the Division conducted 798 compliance checks of local liquor establishments. Of these, 635 passed the check by not selling to minors, and 165 failed, resulting in a 79% compliance rate overall among those tested for compliance.

Compliance checks are designed to identify retailers who would sell alcoholic liquor to minors. The Liquor Control Division partners with local and state police, and volunteer minors from the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. Establishments that are charged with selling liquor to a minor are brought for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission, at which time each has the opportunity to address the charges. The Commission can and does authorize sanctions for violations, which may include temporary suspension of permit and monetary fines.

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