State Liquor Authority Conducts Underage Drinking Operation in Erie County

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on December 2, 2022 in Erie County.  SLA investigators, working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting eight licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at six of the eight businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• Supermarket Inc.
  142 Walden Ave, Buffalo
• Shamsan Walden Grocery Inc.
  290 Walden Ave, Buffalo
• Four Brotherz Inc. (d/b/a: Colvin Market Express)
  117 Colvin Ave, Buffalo
• Abyss Inc. (d/b/a: Sunoco A Plus)
  1301 Hertel Ave, Buffalo
• Tracy Street Productions (d/b/a: The Steer/Peanut Gallery)
  3151 Main St, Buffalo
• Buffalo Creek Bar & Grill, LLC (d/b/a: Buffalo Creek Bar & Grill)
  4717 Clinton St, West Seneca

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• Hertel Liquors LLC (d/b/a: Hertel Liquor Library)
  1669 Hertel Ave, Buffalo
• Khasria & Sons Inc. (d/b/a: Hertel Parker Liquor Store)
  1859 Hertel Ave, Buffalo

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.