LIVERPOOL, NY (WSYR-TV) - State Police were finding out just how easy it is to buy alcohol as a minor this holiday weekend.
On Sunday, police targeted bars, convenience stores and restaurants in Liverpool and Baldwinsville by sending in undercover buyers, under the age of twenty one.
By 11:00pm Sunday, 4 of 17 locations were caught serving alcohol to the minors:
- Valero: 416 Oswego St, Liverpool
- Salsarita's: 7375 Oswego Rd, Liverpool
- Pier 57: 7376 Oswego Rd, Liverpool
- Sammy Malones: 2 Oswego St, Baldwinsville
The undercover buyer, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained, "They just asked us how we were doing and what they could get for us. So we ordered our drinks and he didn't even ask for ID. He just said, 'okay, here you go.'"
The undercover buyer captured the conversation with the bartender on her cell phone.
At each place that sold to minors, a State Trooper charged the bartender and bar owner immediately afterward with misdemeanors. All the stores that complied with state laws were made aware of the undercover operation afterward.
Sgt. Tim Siddall said, "By keeping the 18 and 19 year olds from getting alcohol, we will make it much more difficult for 14 and 15 year olds to get alcohol."
The sting is also aimed at keeping young people from drinking and driving.
Police hope stings like this one will remind bartenders that there are serious consequences for not asking for an ID.
