Two volunteer minors who had been trained and provided by the Governor's Prevention Partnership assisted in the operation by entering each store and attempting to purchase beer or liquor.

Of the thirty-two (32) stores tested for compliance, it is alleged that two (2) failed by selling alcoholic liquor to a minor. Those stores which allegedly failed are:

• BomBom Mini Market, 293 Cook Street
• Barry’s Package Store, 754 East Main Street

Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said that routine compliance checks help the agency to identify businesses that knowingly or unknowingly sell alcohol to minors and bring them back into compliance with state law. However, compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses, he added.

“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 their actual photo I.D., which clearly indicates that they are underage.”

The Commissioner thanked Police Chief Jeffry Cossette and the Meriden Police Department for their assistance on the compliance operation, and congratulated local retailers.

“Although 100% compliance is our goal, we are gratified that more than 90% of the permit holders in Meriden passed this compliance check by not selling to the youths, and they requested proof of age, as the law requires,” Rubenstein said. “We will continue our efforts toward achieving our goal of full compliance.”

The businesses that allegedly sold to a 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.

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