Albany stores checked for sale of alcohol to minors

ALBANY — A routine undercover check of stores selling alcohol to underage citizens was conducted recently by the Albany-Dougherty Drug Unit, and officials are delighted with the results.

“The check went exceptionally well,” said Maj. Bill Berry, commander of the ADDU. “Most of the stores acted responsibly and we applaud the stores that refused sell to underage kids.”

Berry said the checks are typically conducted several times each year in response to tips or complaints, or performed randomly by investigators in the area. Over a period of 15 years or more, alcohol sales checks often see violations as high as 50 or 60 percent, Berry said.

The most recent sales check was conducted on Feb. 13, Berry said, employing underage “buyers” in a test of 20 stores in Albany and Dougherty County. According to Berry, only four of the stores sold alcohol to the undercover teens.

“One of the clerks actually took the license and was calling the police,” Berry said. “I believe store owners and clerks may have figured out there could be fines or someone could lose their job.”

Berry said the sale of alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor, as is buying alcohol illegally, but more damaging to a business owner is the possible loss of his alcohol license. According to Berry, owners accused of selling alcoholic beverages to minors could spend some time in jail and answer to the city or county commission.

Alcohol sales checks locally were started about 16 years ago, Berry said, by then Dougherty C0unty District Attorney, Ken Hodges and have continued since then.