State Liquor Authority Conducts Underage Drinking Operation in New York City

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on December 2, 2022 in New York City.  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 two of the eight businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• Midtown Spirits Inc. (d/b/a: Wine on Nine)
  191 9^th Ave, New York
• West 54 Liquors LLC
  453 W 54^th St, New York

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• West 21 Deli and Grocery Corp.
  215 8^th Ave, New York
• Jamil Liquors Inc.
  1366 York Ave, New York
• Wine at 79 LLC
  1490 York Ave, New York
• First Avenue Liquors LLC
  1502 1^st Ave, New York
• Uptown Liquors Inc. (d/b/a: Gracies Wines)
  1579 York Ave, New York
• 1650 Third Avenue Liquors Inc. (d/b/a: Wine Castle)
  1654 3^rd Ave, New York

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.