03/30/2023 - SLA 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 March 30, 2023, in Erie County.  SLA investigators and an underage agent conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting ten licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at four of the ten businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

Village Liquor Store of Depew LLC6346 Transit Rd, Depew

KD Petroleum Inc. (d/b/a: Smiley’s Convenience Store)1211 Colvin Blvd, Tonawanda

GBP LLC (d/b/a: Green Buffalo Pub)165 Lake Ave, Lancaster

EJC Entertainment LLC (d/b/a: Rock Bottom Kitchen & Bar)6261 Transit Rd, Clarence

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

Tops Markets LLC (d/b/a: Tops #237)6363 Transit Rd, Depew

United Refining Co. of PA (d/b/a: Kwik Fill A0024)6439 Transit Rd, Depew

Speedway LLC (d/b/a: Express Mart #375/Speedway #9972)5115 Genesee St, Cheektowaga

Speedway LLC (d/b/a: Express Mart #374/Speedway #9971)1235 Colvin Blvd, Tonawanda

Rite Aid f New York Inc. (d/b/a: Rite Aid Pharmacy #1910)2047 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo

Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc. (d/b/a: Walgreens)2601 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda

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.