On Wednesday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the results of joint efforts by state agencies to crack down on underage drinking throughout the state during the month of April. Fifty-six Hudson Valley businesses are accused of selling alcohol to minors, with Rockland County’s 18 offences accounting for the highest level. Westchester had 13, Oragne, 8, Greene County, 11, Delaware, 5 and Columbia, 1.
The New York State Liquor Authority and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, along with local law enforcement agencies, conducted statewide sweeps of locations holding liquor licenses, including bars, restaurants, liquor stores and grocery stores, looking for fake IDs and retailers who sell alcohol to minors.
“Underage drinking and fake IDs are not only illegal but can lead to reckless decisions with lifelong consequences,” Cuomo said. “We will continue to take action to hold businesses accountable for illegal sales as well as those who use fake IDs. We have zero tolerance for these offenses in New York.”
Out of 851 businesses visited for compliance checks, 186 were found to be selling to underage agents, according to the Governor’s Office.
The SLA conducted 66 underage details in 46 counties, with investigators sending underage decoys into 851 locations holding liquor licenses.
Licensees charged with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting from $2,500 to $3,000 for a first-time offense.
Rockland County Offenders
- Haverstraw Wine & Spirits: Haverstraw
- Samsondale Wine & Liquors: W. Haverstraw
- Railroad Deli” Garnerville
- North Rockland Beverage Center: W. Haverstraw
- Railroad Avenue Deli & Grocery: W. Haverstraw
- Stonys Food N News: Stony Point
- Express Food Mart: Haverstraw
- Speedway: W. Haverstraw
- Sinclair: Blauvelt
- Nick’s Convenience Store: Tappan
- T&B’s Grocery and Restaurant: W. Haverstraw
- SP Wine & Liquors: Stony Point
- Stony Mobil Mart” Stony Point
- 7 Eleven: Stony Point
- Liberty Beer: Stony Point
- Smiley Food Mart: Pearl River
- Fleming’s Place: Pearl River
- O’Malleys: Nyack