8/28/07 PRESS RELEASE:

Department of Consumer Protection
Jerry Farrell, Jr.
165 Capitol Avenue Commissioner
Hartford, CT 06106
Media calls: 860-713-6022
www.ct.gov/dcp

Date: August 28, 2007


Department of Consumer Protection Announces Results of
Weekend Alcohol Compliance Checks in Greenwich

HARTFORD, August 28 – The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is announcing the results of a series of compliance checks that was conducted in Greenwich on Saturday, August 25th in collaboration with the Greenwich Police Department to identify stores that would sell alcohol to persons under the legal age of 21. All 29 liquor stores and grocery stores that sell beer were tested for compliance; six failed by selling to the minor who was part of the undercover operation.

The failed stores are:
Val’s Buy-Rite, 125 West Putnam Avenue
East Port Chester Wine and Liquors, 105 Mill Street, Byram
Bellmore Wine and Liquor, 380 West Putnam Avenue
Wine Wise, 120 East Putnam Road
IGA , 1059 North Street
Holly Hill Deli, 140 Hamilton Avenue

“These routine, statewide alcohol compliance checks that help us identify locations that would sell alcohol to minors are important in curbing youth access to alcohol and reducing the tragic consequences often linked with underage drinking,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. said. “Liquor retailers are expected to be diligent in asking for and examining identifications, and we encourage them to make this part of their everyday business practice. I want to extend our thanks to the Greenwich Police Department for collaborating with us, and sincere congratulations to the 23 Greenwich stores that demonstrated full compliance with the law.”

The stores that successfully passed the compliance test by refusing to sell to the minor are:

Post Wine and Spirits, 230 Post Road
Riverview Wines and Spirits, 340 Palmer Hill Road
Sam’s Package Store, 230 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
Cos Cob Liquor, 130 Post Road
A & P Wines and Spirits, 1237 Boston Post Road, Old Greenwich
Horseneck Wine and Liquor, 25 East Putnam Avenue
Bruce Park Liquors, 272 Mason Street
Madison Wine and Liquor, 1 North Water Street
AOC Wines, 195 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
Le Wine Shop, 39 East Elm Street
Connecticut Wine and Liquor, 1071 King Street
AOC Fine Wines, 1066 North Street
Continental Wine and Spirits, 58 Williams Street
Castle View Deli, 2 Morgan Avenue
Food Emporium, 160 West Putnam Avenue
Pemberwick X-Change, 83 Pemberwick Road
Fresh Fields Whole Food Market, 90 East Putnam Avenue
Scarpellis Market, 45 Bible Street
Fuji Market, 1212 East Putnam Avenue
Old Greenwich Food Mart, Arcadia Road
The Food Emporium, 1261 Boston Post Road, Old Greenwich
Grocery Express, 1429 East Putnam Avenue
Stop and Shop, 161 West Putnam Avenue

The Department’s Liquor Control agents and officers from local police departments routinely conduct compliance checks at restaurants, cafes, and stores where alcohol is sold. Underage volunteers who are trained and provided by the Connecticut Coalition to Stop Underage Drinking participate in these undercover operations.

The six establishments charged with selling liquor to a minor on Saturday will be brought before the Liquor Control Commission for an administrative hearing, at which time each will have the opportunity to address the charges, Farrell said.

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