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 February 10, 2023 in Erie County.  SLA investigators, working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting fourteen licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at three of the fourteen businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• A & Z 786 Enterprise Inc. (d/b/a: Buddy’s)
  727 Maple Rd, Amherst
• Speedway LLC (d/b/a: Express Mart #380)
  1810 Maple Rd, Amherst
• Eckerd Corp. (d/b/a: Rite Aid Pharmacy #10831)
  8530 Transit Rd, Amherst

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• Tops Markets LLC (d/b/a: Tops #224)
  2351 Maple Rd, Amherst
• Jonmark Corp. (d/b/a: Premium Wine & Spirits)
  7980 Transit Rd, Williamsville
• Delta Sonic Carwash Systems Inc. (d/b/a: Delta Sonic Carwash)
  4973 Transit Rd, Williamsville
• Wal-Mart Stores East LP (d/b/a: Wal-Mart Supercenter #2355)
  5033 Transit Rd, Williamsville
• Speedway LLC (d/b/a: Speedway #9878)
  6011 Transit Rd, East Amherst
• Craft & Creations Inc. (d/b/a: Kenyon’s Variety)
  9700 Transit Rd, Amherst
• Tops Markets LLC (d/b/a: Tops #227)
  9660 Transit Rd, East Amherst
• CVS Albany LLC (d/b/a: CVS/Pharmacy #5496)
  9300 Transit Rd, Amherst
• Consumers Beverages Inc. (d/b/a: Consumer’s Beverages)
  8580 Transit Rd, Amherst
• Wegmans Food Markets Inc.
  8270 Transit Rd, Williamsville
• Addy’s Wine and Spirits Inc. (d/b/a: Addy’s Wine and Spirits)
  8268 Transit Rd, Williamsville

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.