SLA Underage Drinking Detail Nets 3 Sales to Minors In Utica

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on February 1, 2019 in Utica. SLA investigators and the Utica Police Department, working with underage agents, conducted an underage-drinking sting operation visiting 14 businesses. In total, the undercover minor was able to purchase alcohol at 3 of the 14 businesses visited.

The businesses selling to minors were:

• O’Donnell’s Pub 715 Varick Street
• Mr. Convenience 1316 Oneida Street
• Lunkin’s 640 Varick Street

The businesses refusing to sell to minors were:

• Varick Bar & Grill 616 Varick Street
• Celtic Harp Restaurant 805 Varick Street
• The Sanctuary 728 Court Street
• Nail Creek Pub 720 Varick Street
• Stewarts 425 Court Street
• City Liquors 1905 Genesee Street
• Oswego Express 5 Oswego Street
• Oneida Square Market 1331 Oneida Street
• Swifty’s 257 Genesee Street
• OTB Old School 600 Culver Avenue
• Bengee’s 300 Columbia Street

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 $3,000 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. Undercover decoys work under the direct supervision of SLA Beverage Control Investigators.

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