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Liquor Department Cites 3 Businesses

Three local businesses were cited for selling alcohol to youths.

The Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division conducted alcohol compliance checks on six bars and restaurants in Newtown a few weeks ago and found that half of them allegedly failed, officials said in a press release.

On Sept. 23, liquor department agents worked with Newtown police tested six establishments in town for alcohol compliance by sending in volunteer youths who attempted to buy alcohol, officials said. Three of the bars and restaurants allegedly failed the checks.

The department said Pacific Asian Restaurant, 123 South Main St.; Pub 25 American Grille, 266 South Main St.; and The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main St. were the businesses that failed the compliance checks. The press release did not indicate which businesses passed the checks.

These three businesses that failed may face administrative penalities and could be called to a hearing before the Liquor Control Commission to address the charges, officials said.

Bodie October 5, 2011 at 06:55 pm
With the amount of business they do, and they do fill up in the evening, it has to be tough to check everyone. Especially families with border line age children. The liquor stores now they have no excuse.
Alex Tytler October 5, 2011 at 07:08 pm
Gotcha! Big brother is watching, always. Tough economy? Too bad, now you get to spend money fighting your own state government, who would like to put you out of business. Connecticut hates business! That is all.
Cathy October 5, 2011 at 08:37 pm
so their holding an "underage drinking" forum @ the high school (which i am so on board with) & we have these people in town "serving" to minors, ugh!
DAY October 5, 2011 at 09:05 pm
I have been to all three of these establishments, and have seen their bartenders card people on numerous occasions, even times of heavy client volume. I highly doubt any of them would jeopardize their businesses by routinely and deliberately serving liquor to minors. I hope the state has something along the lines of a three-strikes policy before it levies penalties and hauls the owners of these establishments before hearing committees.
DAY October 5, 2011 at 09:06 pm
Well said.
John October 5, 2011 at 10:21 pm
There is no excuse for breaking the law like this. Whether or not they are busy does not make it okay or excusable to serve alcohol to minors. These establishments should face heavy fines, and that will make sure they card everyone. Bars/clubs that are found with minor being served alcohol have to pay a $1000 for each minor, and the minor also has to pay $1000.
Mary Ann Jacob October 5, 2011 at 10:30 pm
I was at the pacific Asian bistro with my family recently and the waiter offered my 16 year old a shot of sake...yes the real stuff! My son had no idea what it was and I intervened just in time!
Swami October 6, 2011 at 01:06 am
Eric, what do you suggest, serving any and everyone who staggers in asking for a drink, regardless of age ?
Alex Tytler October 6, 2011 at 01:21 am
I suggest we stop funding sting operations that are designed to trick or deceive. If a business is serving minors on a regular basis, that's one thing, but random fishing expeditions should be out.
Katie October 6, 2011 at 02:41 am
John, couldn't agree with you more! Being busy is not an excuse. It may be "tough to check everyone" but that's part of their job as responsible businesses.
Mary fellows October 6, 2011 at 04:08 pm
Since 15 yr old girls look like 21 with all that make-up, it's no wonder!. Im happy my daughter is 15 and looks like 15 and does not dress like a Kardasian!
I suggest they card everyone! it's flattering to be thought of as younger! (waitstaff, it could increase your tips!)
Mike Kelley October 6, 2011 at 10:31 pm
I am 60 and still being carded in certain places around the country. Every grocery store in the area along with Buttheads you buy cigarettes in scans the licenses first! Of course the system to do this probably cost the owner a ton, however maybe they just have to pass it on. I do agree; card them all. If they have a fake card arrest them.
Sam Mihailoff October 6, 2011 at 11:15 pm
Mike, you get carded brcause of that "baby" face and honest lving :-)
JMS63 October 7, 2011 at 09:25 pm
I'd like to know how underage drinkers have money to spend at these places!!!! A glass of wine these days can cost $9.00!! You need to make a pretty good living to go out for a drink!
Sam Mihailoff October 7, 2011 at 09:31 pm
"sending in volunteer youths who attempted to buy alcohol"...
Your precious tax-dollars paid for their drink..hic

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