State Liquor Authority Conducts Underage Drinking Operation in Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on September 1, 2022 in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. SLA investigators, using underage agents, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting thirteen licensed off-premises locations. The undercover agents were able to purchase alcohol at one of the businesses visited.

The business selling to a minor was:

• Dollar General Store #20345
  46 E Chestnut St, Andover

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• Dollar General Store #21722
  135 E Main St, Angelica
• Quicklee’s
  5744 Friendship Rd, Amity
• Dollar General Store #6067
  4836 State Rte. 19 S, Belmont
• The Store
  3983 Main St, Scio
• Hanson Farms
  78 Greenwich St, Belmont
• Wellsville Save A Lot
  420 Bolivar Rd, Wellsville
• Giant Food Mart
  44 Park Ave, Wellsville
• Shorts Grocery Store
  2351 Standards Rd, Wellsville
• Steve’s Gas N Grub Hub
  41 Main St, Andover
• Whitesville Corner Market
  452 Main St, Whitesville
• Miller and Brandes Inc
  4681 Castle Garden Rd, Friendship
• Dollar General Store #20432
  7259 County Rd 20, Friendship

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, cancellations, 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.