On Friday, On Friday, April 4, 2014 beginning at approximately 8:00 p.m., agents from the Liquor Control Division partnered with the Canton Police Department and two volunteer youths trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership in conducting compliance checks of open bars and restaurants in Canton, including Collinsville.

“Compliance operations help us to identify licensed or permitted locations that are selling alcoholic beverages to minors,” Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said. He added that the compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses.

Twelve (12) establishments were tested; it is being alleged that five of these businesses failed by selling alcoholic beverages to the minors.  The five (5) establishments that allegedly failed are:

• Smokin Spokes, 191 Albany Turnpike, Canton
• Feng Asian Bistro,  110 Albany Turnpike, Canton
• Canton Indoor Golf Center, 220 Albany Turnpike, Canton
• Chipotle Mexican Grill, The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, Canton
• Center Spirit Shoppe, 32 Bridge Street, Collinsville

“Our goal is to identify businesses that knowingly or unknowingly sell to minors and bring them into compliance with state liquor laws,” Rubenstein said. “If the volunteer youth are asked their age before making a liquor purchase, they will hand over their actual ID, and tell their true age.”

“Springtime special events and outdoor activities tend to result in more attempts by underage youth to buy alcohol, and we expect our retailers to be diligent,” Rubenstein said. “We wish to thank Chief Arciero and the men and women of the Canton Police Department for their assistance and efforts to reduce underage access to alcoholic liquor. As always, we are grateful to the Prevention Partnership for supporting our work.”

The five stores are being charged with allegedly 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.

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