Liquor Store In Westport Accused Of Underage Alcohol Sales: Police

WESTPORT, CT — The 44-year-old owner of The International Wine Shop in Westport was arrested this week, after police said he sold alcohol to two 18-year-old girls without checking their identification.

Jian Xiong Pan, of Newtown, was charged with illegal sale of alcohol to a minor following the Monday afternoon incident.

According to Westport police, a witness reported seeing the two girls, who appeared to be under the age of 21, leave the Post Road East store just before 4 p.m. An officer patrolling in the area was alerted, and pulled the two over as they left the store's parking lot.

"They confirmed the purchase of alcohol and reported that the clerk did so without verifying their age," said Lt. Eric Woods in a statement. "The Investigating Officer responded to International Wine Shop and spoke with the owner, Jian Pan. He recalled the transaction that had just occurred and confirmed that he sold the alcohol without verifying the age of the female."

What the girls purchased was not disclosed.

The shop is one of several in Westport that is participating in the Westport Prevention Coalition's Liquor Sticker campaign to thwart underage drinking, according to authorities.

Pan was released after posting a $500 bond, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Aug. 28.

Additionally, Westport police notified the state's Liquor Control authorities of the incident.