HARTFORD, August 4 – The Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division released today the results of a series of compliance checks it completed over the weekend. On Saturday, August 2^nd during the late afternoon and evening, State liquor agents and troopers from the Resident Trooper’s Office for Haddam, Higganum, and Killingworth conducted unannounced compliance checks at local bars, restaurants and package stores in those towns.

Eleven (11) locations were tested for compliance with assistance from two volunteer minors who had been trained and provided by the Governor’s Prevention Partnership.

It is alleged that two (2) businesses served alcoholic beverages to the minors.  The two businesses that allegedly served minors are:

·         Brookside Steakhouse and Tavern, 26 Killingworth Road, Higganum

·         Haddam Pizza Restaurant, 1617 Saybrook Road, Haddam

Routine compliance checks help the Department 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 Resident Trooper’s Office and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership for their assistance in the operation.

The businesses that allegedly sold to a minor will appear 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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