Southington Stores Sold Liquor to Teens: Cops

SOUTHINGTON, CT - Several local stores recently made illegal alcohol sales to minors during undercover operations conducted by Southington police and members of the state Liquor Commission and Southington Townwide Effort to Promote Success, according to officials.

On March 4, the operation used two 19-year-olds to make "controlled purchases" of alcohol at local bars, restaurants and lounges, and two establishments, Fireplace on Center Street and Casa Margarita on West Street, sold liquor to minors.

In both instances, the establishments "requested ID from the minors and failed to properly identify them" as being underage, police said. The two could face possible suspensions of their liquor permits and/or fines, as a result.

On March 18, three 19-year-olds were used to try to buy alcohol from package stores and supermarkets, and Top's IGA on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike in Plantsville was found to make improper sales.

Again, identification was requested but not heeded, according to police. Top's faces a possible liquor permit suspension and/or fine.

Additionally, police also conducted an operation into improper tobacco sales, and on March 12, 12 of 28 stores were found to have broken the local ordinance that prohibits tobacco products being placed inside "at any location with public access."

Such products are required to be placed "behind any checkout counter or customer service counter," under the ordinance.

The following 12 establishments were found to be out of compliance:

• Sunoco - 474 Queen St
• Rite Aid - 500 Queen St.
• Shell - 655 Queen St.
• Citgo - 682 Queen St.
• Cumberland Farms - 909 Queen St.
• Rite Aid - 167 Main St.
• Citgo - 202 Main St.
• Royal Plus Food Mart - 212 Main St.
• Gasman - 570 Main St.
• Westview Convenience - 662 West St.
• Valero - 802 West St.
• Mobil - 956 West St.

The 12 were issued warnings and given 30 days to rectify the situation, according to police.