02/11/2022 - Underage Drinking Operation

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on February 11, 2022.  SLA investigators, working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting five licensed premises. The premises were checked as the result of public complaints of sales to minors made against each location with SLA Enforcement.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at two of the five businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

•    BM Petro
     2 Church St, Nassau
•    Munchie’s Deli Grocery
     814 Eastern Ave, Schenectady

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

•    Raizaida’s Fuel
     63 Main St, Wynantskill
•    Sabatino’s Liquor
     210 Quail St, Albany
•    Xtra Mart
     245 Saratoga Rd, Glenville

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, cancellation, 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 agents work under the direct supervision of SLA Beverage Control Investigators.