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The New York State Liquor Authority used decoys to target restaurants and stores statewide as part of an effort to look for fake IDs and local locations that will sell alcohol to minors. Grocery stores, restaurants and liquor stores were all targeted during the sting operation.
In total, decoys were sent to 851 businesses across 46 counties last month, with 186 in total reportedly selling to minors. The operation was conducted with the assistance of the Department of Motor Vehicles, which launched a crackdown on underage drinking last fall.
"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions that could have lifelong consequences, or worse, and this administration is committed to taking proactive measures to prevent young New Yorkers from purchasing and abusing alcohol," New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. "These statewide enforcement sweeps will continue to be a part of our efforts to deter underage drinking and the avoidable tragedies that too often follow."
Officials said that the sweeps will build on safety initiatives to deter underage drinking and prevent the purchase and use of false identification documents, and supplement the State Liquor Authority and DMV's regular underage enforcement efforts conducted throughout the year.
On Long Island, the following businesses were busted for selling to underage agents:
Suffolk County
- Buffalo Wild Wings on Old Country Road in Riverhead;
- Brew Haus on North Wellwood Avenue in Lindenhurst;
- El Limeno on Main Street in Port Jefferson;
- Bahia Bar & Restaurant on Main Street in Port Jefferson.
Nassau County
- Great Neck Wine & Spirits on North Station Plaza in Great Neck;
- Super Convenience on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck;
- Food Mart on Powerhouse Road in Roslyn Heights.
According to research, each year, more than 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related injuries. Nearly 700,000 are assaulted by another student that has been drinking and 97,000 students experience alcohol-related sexual assault each year.
"With the help of new technology, our investigators can detect even the most sophisticated fake IDs,” DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan added. “We are not out to spoil the start of anyone's semester. Our goal is to deter underage students from abusing alcohol and possibly putting their lives and the lives of others at risk.”
Officials said that people found using fake IDs with the intent of purchasing alcohol could face arrest. The locations that sell them booze may also face $10,000 fines for each violation. Repeat offenders may see their liquor license revoked.
“We will continue to take action to hold businesses accountable for illegal sales as well as those who use fake IDs,” Cuomo added. “We have zero tolerance for these offenses in New York.”
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