State Liquor Authority Conducts Underage Drinking Operation in Queens

The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) today announced the results of an underage sting operation conducted on September 12, 2022 in Queens.  SLA investigators, working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting seventeen licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at two of the seventeen businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• Fresh Pond Farm Market Inc.
  66-38 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Fresh Pond Gourmet Deli Corp.
  66-20 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• Fresh Pond Liquor Inc.
  65-19 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Madison Deli & Grill Corp.
  66-61 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Fresh Deli and Grocery Inc.
  62-74 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Prince Optimo LLC
  60-11 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• CFL Brothers Inc. (d/b/a Village Discount Wines)
  73-30 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• Surbhi Enterprise Inc.
  75-04 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• Middle Village Deli Inc.
  66-76 69^th St, Queens
• Kavya Optimo II Inc. (d/b/a Optimo Candy & Grocery)
  74-29 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• CVS Albany LLC (d/b/a CVS)
  79-60 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• Franchise Partner NY Corporation (d/b/a Eleven Store #35764A)
  60-31 Metropolitan Ave, Queens
• JJR 6682 Food Corp (d/b/a Checo’s Food Universe)
  66-80-82 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Garden Convenience Deli Corp
  65-02 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Shivshaktee Inc. (d/b/a Mini Mart)
  66-99 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Roksana Gourmet Deli Inc.
  6678 Fresh Pond Rd, Queens
• Zebrowski Corp (d/b/a European Deli)
  7526 Metropolitan Ave, Queens

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.