HARTFORD, April 14 – The Department of Consumer Protection is releasing the results of recent alcohol compliance checks undertaken by the Division of Liquor Control in cooperation with local police departments.

On Saturday evening, April 12th, the Liquor Control Division and the Groton Town and City Police Departments jointly conducted twenty-two (22) compliance checks of bars and restaurants in their communities, including Mystic. Assisting in the operation were volunteer minors trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.

Of the 22 premises tested for compliance, it is alleged that eight (8) failed by allegedly selling/serving alcoholic beverages to the minors. The eight establishments that allegedly failed Saturday’s compliance check are:

Routine compliance checks help the Department of Consumer Protection to identify businesses that knowingly or unknowingly sell alcohol to minors and bring them into compliance with state law. However, compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses.

“We don’t try to trick or entice establishments to sell alcoholic beverages to youth,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. 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., which clearly indicates that they are underage.”

The Commissioner thanked the Groton Town and City Police Departments and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership for their assistance in the operation.

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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