A recent Ridgewood sting nabbed nearly a dozen establishments selling alcohol to minors.
The 104th Precinct conducted the undercover operation of more than 30 businesses in Ridgewood in mid-November. An underage auxiliary officer was sent into the establishments to buy alcohol. If he was not carded or allowed to purchase the drinks without an ID, officers issued the stores a summons. Eleven of the 32 stores targeted were fined.
“Alcohol sale to minors can a lot of times lead to unauthorized house parties, it can lead to violent crimes,” said Deputy Inspector Michael Cody at a recent Community Council meeting.
Lieutenant James Lombardi, who headed the operation, said he rotates the areas targeted in the undercover operations. There are more than 200 storefronts that sell alcohol within the confines of the 104th Precinct.
Locations selling to underage individuals can face fines ranging from $1,500 to $10,000. If a store gets caught selling alcohol to kids three times within a six month period, the establishment’s liquor license may be revoked, in addition to fines.
Each deli that sells alcohol is legally required to place a sticker aside the counter with the date someone must be born before to purchase alcohol.
