Wisconsin Consumer Protection News

Selling Alcohol To Minors

HARTFORD, December 12 – Seventeen out of sixty-four stores checked in New Haven over the weekend sold alcohol to a minor in violation of State law, and now face administrative review and possible penalty, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez said today.

On Saturday, December 10 between 1:00 and 8:30 pm, agents from the DCP Liquor Control Division and New Haven police officers conducted compliance checks at 64 local package stores and grocery stores that sell beer.  The Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking provided four youth volunteers who had been specially trained to participate in the ompliance checks.  The youths were between the ages of 16 and 19.

“In no way do we try to deceive or entice establishments to sell alcoholic beverages to minors,” Rodriguez said.  “If asked for proof of age before making a liquor purchase, our volunteers willingly display their real ID.  Businesses that are selling to minors, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are breaking the law and putting young people at risk.”

To conduct the check, a youth enters the store and attempts to purchase liquor or beer, Rodriguez said.  If asked for proof of age before making a liquor purchase, the underage volunteer hands over his or her actual identification, not fake ID.  

Stores are in violation of State law if the cashier does not ask for ID, or allows the youth to continue purchasing liquor after being shown underage ID, Rodriguez said.  The seventeen establishments are being charged with selling liquor to minors and will be brought before the Liquor Control Commission for an administrative hearing, at which time each will have the ability to address the charges.

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