The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage compliance check on January 23rd, 2024 in Erie County. SLA investigators working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting nine licensed premises. In total, the underage agent was able to purchase alcohol at two of businesses visited.
The businesses selling to minors were:
- Niagara Produce of Elma
3131 Transit Rd, Elma - Bayview Mini Mart LLC
4551 Bayview Rd, Hamburg
The businesses refusing to sell to minors were:
- Sunoco A Plus #40240H
5665 Seneca St, West Seneca - Southwestern Liquor & Wine
1100 Southwestern Blvd Ste 200, West Seneca - Dollar General Store #18657
2737 Southwestern Blvd, Orchard Park - Adam’s Market
1470 Orchard Park Rd, West Seneca - Toni’s Deli
5490 Lake Ave Suite 1, Orchard Park - 7 Eleven Store #35154J
3725 South Park Ave, Blasdell - LHP Food Mart
3932 South Park Ave, Blasdell
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.
