7 Sanford alcohol retailers sold to minors: police

SANFORD, Maine - Sanford Police on Tuesday reported that seven licensed alcohol retailers within the city of Sanford violated alcohol compliance laws by selling to minors last month.

The alcohol compliance checks were conducted on Sept. 26-27 on 22 premises.

The businesses found in violation were: The Green Room, Cigarette City, Main Street Depot, Eastside Convenience, Save-A-Lot Food, J&S Grocery, and the 7 Eleven Store, Springvale.

The establishments were issued a Notice of Liquor License Administrative Violation and Short Form Complaint citation which are forwarded to the State of Maine Department of Public Safety Liquor Licensing Unit. First-time offenders face a fine of up to $1,800. Repeat offenders face a higher fine and could have their liquor licenses suspended.

"I am a little surprised that we found seven establishments that illegally sold alcohol to minors. The Sanford Police conduct compliance checks at least twice a year, and we advertise the names of those businesses that violate the law," noted Chief Connolly. "Aggressively enforcing the laws regarding minors possessing alcohol will reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths that occur too often when our youth consume alcohol. Every establishment that sells alcohol should have their employees trained at the next Alcohol Seller/Server Training course to reduce the possibility of future violations."

Both the Sanford Strong Coalition and Partners for Healthier Communities provided funding for this compliance check operation.