Youth Is Served...Illegally

Apparently, youth has sometimes been served illegally in Norwalk. A two-day operation conducted by the  and Department of Consumer Protection Liquor Control Division found that several stores licensed to sell beer, had been selling it to some people who were underage.

According to the Department of Consumer Protection, ten stores out of the 67 that were tested for compliance, failed. On Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3, the operation utilized volunteer youths provided by the Governor’s Prevention Program. It is being alleged that the stores failed the test by selling to one of the youths.  The stores which allegedly failed the compliance test are identified as the following:
 
                     Grandview Grocery, 47 Grandview Ave.
                     City Supermarket, 717 West Avenue
                     Maximo Deli and Grocery, 71 South Main Street
                     Taste of Europe, 239 Westport Avenue
                     R & G Grocery and Deli, 28 Wall Street
                     North Main Convenience, 48 North Main Street
                     Budget Liquor Shop, 542 West Avenue
                     The Wine Cellar, 556 Westport Avenue
                     Wall Street Liquor, 94 Wall Street
                     Harbor View Wines and Spirits, 48 Main Street
 
In the press release, Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said, “The holiday season is upon us and retailers must be especially vigilant to prevent minors from purchasing alcoholic beverages,” He added. “Not only because it’s the law, but also because it just might help to reduce or even prevent any tragic, senseless accidents on our roads this holiday.”
 
According to the report, of the 36 grocery stores tested in Norwalk, 30 passed and six are reported to have failed. Of the 31 package stores tested in Norwalk, 27 passed and four of them reportedly failed.

The ten stores which allegedly failed the compliance check, will have the opportunity to meet with the Liquor Control Commission prior to any administrative action.

Commissioner Rubenstein thanked Norwalk Police Chief Harry Rilling and the officers of the Norwalk Police Department for their participation and support in this enforcement effort.