6 Danbury Establishments Fail to Comply With Liquor Regs: Police

DANBURY, CT — The police and the state Liquor Control Division conducted compliance checks at 47 businesses selling alcoholic beverages on Saturday. Six retailers were caught selling alcohol to minors, according to police.

The locations investigated included liquor stores, grocery stores and various other locations where alcohol could be purchased but not consumed legally. Several members of the Danbury Police Department Explorer post assisted, under the direction of the post commander.

Explorers are young people aged 14-21 interested in a career in law enforcement who participate in training, practical experiences and other activities sponsored by the Police Department.

Explorers, all of whom "were well under the legal age to purchase alcohol," entered each business in an attempt to purchase alcohol. "No deception of age was exhibited verbally, through appearance or through identification," according to police.

Six retailers failed to comply with regulations forbidding sale of alcohol to minors:

• Grade A Market of Danbury, 1 Padanaram Road
• S&D Liquors, 129 Padanaram Road
• Bevmax, 20 Backus Avenue
• Pague Meno’s Supermarket, 107 Triangle Street
• J&B Wines and Spirits, 29 Newtown Road
• Edwin & Julia Liquor Store, 100 Westville Avenue

The Liquor Control Division will be continuing an investigation into these retailers "which will likely end with fines and administrative penalties at a later date and time," according to Det. Lt. Mark Williams.

In June, the Danbury Police Department hosted a seminar for liquor retailers within the City. Dichello Distributors, Inc presented training for intervention procedures and Liquor Control Division fielded questions regarding the state Liquor Control Act. Approximately 50 local retailers were in attendance for the seminar. Williams credits the education and seminar provided by the DPD for low number of non-compliant businesses.