A recent sting operation found that 17 of 42 liquor retailers in Alamance County did not comply with required ID checks for younger patrons. | Skitterphoto/Pixabay
A recent sting operation found that 17 of 42 liquor retailers in Alamance County did not comply with required ID checks for younger patrons. | Skitterphoto/Pixabay
In a crackdown against underage patrons buying alcohol, the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agency partnered with other law enforcement groups to conduct a sting to pinpoint the retailers selling to those under 21.
The operation identified 17 establishments where employees did not card buyers—even those who didn't look anywhere close to 40, which some stores use as a guideline for when to ask for ID.
Local agencies that participated included the Alamance County Sheriff's Office; and the Burlington, Elon, Gibsonville and Graham police departments.
"We commend the clerks who asked for identification and refused to sell to the underage buyer," Graham Police Sgt. J.R. Payne said in an AlamanceNews.com report, quoting the police department's news release this week reviewing the sting results. "We are concerned, however, with the large number of establishments that sold to an underage buyer. Our goal is for every location to pass; therefore, we strongly encourage all store managers, clerks and bartenders to be trained in the laws of alcohol sales on a regular basis."
Officers visited 42 retailers that sell alcohol in Alamance County, the Graham Police Department release said. Though 17 had problems, 25 other establishments that were checked during the operation passed the ID test, including all four ABC stores in the county.
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