HARTFORD, September 20 -- The Department of Consumer Protection is reporting the results of compliance checks it conducted Thursday evening in the town of Orange.

On September 19, 2013, the Liquor Control Division and the Orange Police Department conducted compliance checks of selected restaurants and bars in the town of Orange. Two youth volunteers who were trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership participated in the undercover operation by entering the premises and attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages from employees of the establishments. 

Eleven (11) businesses were tested for compliance. Of these, five (5) failed by allegedly selling alcohol to the youths. The businesses which allegedly failed are:

• Ola, 350 Boston Post Road (2 counts, Sale to Minor)
• Bear and Grille II, 385 Post Road (2 counts, Sale to Minor)
• Corner Pocket, 501 Post Road (2 counts, Sale to Minor)
• Baja’s Restaurant, 63 Boston Post Road (2 counts, Sale to Minor)
• Puerto Vallarta Orange,  377 Boston Post Road (4 counts, Sale to Minor)*

*Following the compliance tests, Orange police officers and liquor agents returned to the Puerto Vallarta restaurant in Orange to contact management as part of the compliance operation follow-up. While there, they observed two additional minors allegedly being served alcoholic beverages by restaurant staff.

“The residents of Orange deserve better compliance with laws designed to protect their young people,” Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today. “Our Department will work with the Orange police to provide additional training and other tools to local permittees.”

The establishments are being charged with selling liquor to a minor and will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission, where they will have the opportunity to address the charges.

“The six businesses that passed the compliance inspection are complying with the law, and I commend them for their diligence,” Rubenstein said.  “I also wish to thank Police Chief Robert Gagne and his officers for their participation and assistance in this compliance check operation.”

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