6 Stores Sold Alcohol To Buyers Under 21 During Compliance Check

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA -- Six stores in Cherokee County were cited Friday after an undercover operation confirmed they sold alcohol to buyers under the age of 21. That's according to the Cherokee Marshal's Office, which conducted the joint operation with the Department of Revenue - Alcohol Toboacco Division to identify businesses and restaurants that sell alcohol to those who legally cannot purchase these beverages.

Sixty-five unincorporated Cherokee County locations were checked, and undercover operatives were successful in buying alcohol from six of these places, the marshal's office said. The store clerks were immediately cited for underage alcohol sales and have a pending court date.

The following stores were cited after they were found to be in violation:

• Food Depot, 5530 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth
• Citgo, 2267 Hightower Road, Ball Ground
• Hobgood Chevron, 5195 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock
• Marathon, 6742 Bells Ferry Road, Woodstock
• Citgo, 6080 Highway 92, Acworth
• Kwik Way, 2385 Old Highway 92, Acworth

Chief Ron Hunton noted the operations resulted in a roughly 97-percent compliance rate at stores in unincorporated Cherokee.

"While we would like 100-percent compliance, this does show most store and restaurant owners in the county comply with the law and sincerely try to keep alcohol out of the hands of our young people," he added. "For that we are all grateful.”

The Cherokee Marshal’s Office said it plans to continue these operations in an effort to curtail the chance of children buying alcohol in the county. Anyone who wants to report an establishment who is conducting this practice is asked to contact the Marshal's Office at 678-493-6200.

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