Five of six businesses in Albany sting sold alcohol to underage customer, SLA reports
ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — An underage undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at five out of six businesses during a sting operation in Albany Thursday.
The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) announced Friday the results of an underage sting operation conducted on October 7, 2021 in the City of Albany.
MORE: State Police conduct underage drinking enforcement detail in Albany County
SLA investigators, working with the Albany Police Department (APD) and an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting six licensed premises. In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at five of the six businesses visited.
The businesses selling to minors were:
- All Star Pizza & Deli on Quail Street
- Madison Mart on Madison Avenue
- Diana’s Wine & Spirits on Grand Street
- K & K Quail on Quail Street
- Pine Hills Market on Hudson Avenue
The business that refused to sell to minors was Sabatino's Liquor Store on Quail Street.
The locations were chosen based on complaints received by the SLA and the APD.
Licensees charged by the SLA with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting from $2,500 to $4,000 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders also face possible suspension or revocation of their licenses. In addition, employees or licensees who sell to minors can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
Persons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year. Undercover decoys work under the direct supervision of SLA Beverage Control Investigators.
