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 30, 2022 in Queens.  SLA investigators, working with an underage agent, conducted an underage-drinking operation visiting fifteen licensed premises.  In total, the undercover agent was able to purchase alcohol at two of the fifteen businesses visited.

The businesses alleged to have sold to a minor were:

• Bhakti 2034 Inc. (d/b/a Stop & Go Deli)
  100-01 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills
• Best Friends Tire Inc. (d/b/a Exxon)
  |138-19 Hillside Ave, Jamaica

The businesses refusing to sell to a minor were:

• 7 Days Convenience Store Inc.
  89-55 Metropolitan Ave, Rego Park
• Shivam Wine & Liquor Inc. (d/b/a Metro Wine & Liquor)
  100-03 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills
• 101-04 Metro Inc. (d/b/a 7 Eleven Store #33975B)
  101-04 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills
• Wan Rong Liquors Inc.
  105-18 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills
• Joy 116 Food Corp. (d/b/a Joy Fruit)
  116-08 Metropolitan Ave, Kew Gardens
• 116 15 GMV Corp. (d/b/a Vitelio’s Market Place Key Food)
  116-15 Metropolitan Ave, Kew Gardnes
• Sigma Six NY Inc. (d/b/a Malone’s Liquor & Wines)
  118-17 Metropolitan Ave, Kew Gardens
• Alba’s Grocery of Kew Gardens Inc.
  119-20 Metropolitan Ave, Kew Gardens
• Saiful Deli Grocery Inc.
  123-02 Metropolitan Ave, Kew Gardens
• JFK Liquor NY Inc.
  131-09 Hillside Ave, Richmond Hill
• J M D Service Station Inc.
  130-14 Hillside Ave, Richmond Hill
• 130 10 Food Corp. (d/b/a Trade Fair)
  130-10 Metropolitan Ave, Richmond Hill
• Maria F Brisita (d/b/a Good Start Grocery)
  135-26 Hillside 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.