Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection

Press Releases

02/23/2012

Department of Consumer Protection Releases Results of Liquor Compliance Checks in West Hartford

HARTFORD, February 23 – The Department of Consumer Protection is releasing today the results of an undercover compliance operation it conducted over the weekend in West Hartford. 

 

On Saturday, February 18, agents from the Department’s Liquor Control Division and officers from the West Hartford Police Department conducted undercover compliance checks of all 30 package stores and grocery stores licensed to sell beer in West Hartford. Volunteer minors who had been trained by the Governor's Prevention Partnership assisted in the operation by entering each store and attempting to purchase beer or liquor.

 

“Of the 30 stores tested, 23 stores passed and seven allegedly failed by selling alcoholic liquor to one of the volunteer minors,” Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said. 

 

The seven stores which allegedly failed and face possible administrative action are:

 

  • Sam's Food Store, 1149 New Britain Avenue
  • 465 New Park Avenue, 465 New Park Avenue
  • Connecticut Liquor Outlet, 117 Prospect Street
  • Warehouse Liquors, 557 New Park Avenue
  • Delicacy Market, 774 Farmington Avenue
  • Harvey's Spirits, 2542 Albany Avenue
  • Park View Wines, 227-229 Park Road
Routine compliance checks help the Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division to identify businesses that knowingly or unknowingly sell alcohol to minors and bring them back into compliance with state law. However, compliance checks are not intended to hurt local businesses. If asked for proof of age before making a liquor purchase, the volunteer youth will hand over his or her actual photo I.D., which clearly indicates that they are underage.


Commissioner William M. Rubenstein thanked the West Hartford Police Department for their assistance on the local compliance operation.

 

The businesses that allegedly sold to a minor will be brought before the Liquor Control Commission for an administrative hearing, at which time they will have an opportunity to address the charges.

 

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Media Contact: Claudette Carveth
860-713-6022
 
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