CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–March 29, 2011. With spring break season beginning at area schools, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office is conducting random compliance checks at liquor stores, bars and restaurants in suburban communities to ensure compliance with state laws mandating liquor cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 21.
Stings began last weekend, as teams visited businesses in Leyden, Maine and Wheeling Townships. Sheriff’s Police officers partnered with high school and junior high school students for the underage compliance sweep. Out of 18 businesses visited, five sold alcohol to minors.
In Maine and Wheeling Townships, investigators, along with a 12-year-old, a 14-year-old, 17- year-old, and two 18-year-olds, visited eight establishments on Saturday, including a chain drugstore, smaller convenience stores, liquor stores and bars. Undercover investigators watched as the minors entered the businesses and attempted to purchase or order alcohol.
Among those eight businesses was Premier Billiards & Café, located at 2626 Golf Rd. in unincorporated Glenview. When the 12-year-old and the other teens ordered beer, a waitress there not only failed to ask for identification, but proceeded to fill their order.
Also on Saturday, a pair of teenagers entered ten Leyden Township businesses attempting to purchase alcohol. The teens were asked for identification each time and produced ID’s distinctly designed to show they are underage. Six businesses refused to sell the teens alcohol. Four other businesses continued with the transaction and sold the minors alcohol.
Those businesses were:
- Possum’s Pub, 2324 N. Mannheim Rd.
- Convenient Place, 101 E. Grand Ave.
- Ozzie’s Food Store, 1158 W. Grand Ave.
- Tequilaz Bar and Grill, 11220 W. Grand Ave.
Sheriff Dart said the undercover efforts will continue throughout the suburbs. The penalty for businesses that violate underage drinking laws usually starts at a $500 fine.
Source: cookcountysheriff.org
