01/12/2024 - Underage Drinking Operation in Jefferson County

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage compliance check on January 12th, 2024 in Jefferson County.  SLA investigators working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting sixteen licensed premises. In total, the underage agent was able to purchase alcohol at one of businesses visited.

The business selling to minors was:

Dollar General Store #6375
10757 US RTE 11, Adams

The businesses refusing to sell to minors were:

Whitecaps Market #2 
343 Arsenal St, Watertown

Walgreens
929 Arsenal St Bellew & Arsenal, Watertown

Joes Kwik Marts LLC
1268 Arsenal St, Watertown

Price Chopper #102
1283 Arsenal St Route 81, Watertown

Hannaford Supermarket #8175
211110 NYS Route 3

Fastrac Store 222
20852 NYS RTE 3, Watertown

Sunoco A Plus #40486H
21306 State Rte 12F, Watertown

Sunoco Gas Station
1222 Washington St, Watertown

Sunoco A Plus #40503H
19221 US RTE 11, Watertown

Mirabito #137 232 Watertown
21623 NYS Rte 232, Watertown

Adams Center Market
13306 North St, Adams Center

Stewart’s Shop #399
10546 US Route 11, Adams

Mirabito #136 Adams
38 Church St, Adams

South Jeff Wine & Liquor
42 W Church St, Adams

Freeway Grocery LLC
54 W Church St, Adams

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.    

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