State Liquor Authority Conducts Underage Drinking Operation in Manhattan and Queens

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of two underage sting operations conducted on November 3, 2022 in Manhattan and Queens.  SLA investigators, working with NYPD 9^th Precinct and the NYPD Queens Vice, along with underage agents, conducted two underage-drinking operations visiting eight licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agents were able to purchase alcohol at five of the eight businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• Mike Deli & Convenience Inc. (d/b/a: Mike Deli & Convenience)
  418 E 14^th St, New York
• Kelvin Grocery & Deli Inc.
  2124 Cornaga Ave, Far Rockaway
• Deli Grocery Shef Pepin Inc.
  21-07 Cornaga Ave, Far Rockaway
• Tauros Bar and Restaurant Corp (d/b/a: Tauros Bar Restaurant)
  108-02 Jamaica Ave, Richmond Hill
• Fitz J Group Inc. (d/b/a Pre Game)
  178-23 Hillside Ave, Jamaica
  **Had two (2) sales – one to each underage agent**
   

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:
 

• Nuevo Ambient Quisqueyano Rest Corp.
  2009 New Haven Ave, Far Rockaway
• Jasodra Henry (d/b/a: Lovelle Guiding Light)
  148-33 Hillside Ave, Jamaica
• 13115 Jamaica Bar Corp. (d/b/a: Casa NYC)
  131-15 Jamaica Ave, Richmond Hill

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.