18 Businesses Caught in Sting for Allegedly Serving Alcohol to Minors

Eighteen businesses were found to be out of compliance and allegedly sold alcohol to underage patrons, according to a news release from the West Des Moines Police Department.

The compliance checks at establishments holding liquor licences are done throughout the year in an attempt to have a check on all of the approximately 160 affected businesses at least once during the year, with re-checks of the establishments that are not in compliance.

On Aug. 28, police conducted alcohol compliance checks at 105 locations and the following businesses were not in compliance:

• Red Lobster, 3838 Westown Pkwy.
• Twin Peaks, 4570 University Ave.
• Biaggi’s Ristorante, 5990 University Ave.
• Marriott, 1250 Jordan Creek Pkwy.
• Samurai Sushi, 7125 Mills Civic Pkwy.                  
• Casey’s, 105 Grand Ave.                           
• The Tavern, 205 5th St.                                          
• Willow Creek Golf, 140 Army Post Road                
• Cattoor’s on Grand, 1306 Grand Ave.                                      
• Kum & Go, 1293 8th St.                                         
• Lemon Grass, 1221 8th St  .                                      
• Sakura Sushi Inc., 1960 Grand Ave., No. 11                    
• Taco Andreas 3, 1250 8th St.                                    
• Coach’s Pizza,  560 S. Prairie View                       
• Fuddrucker’s, 6378 Mills Civic Pkwy.             
• NYC Pizza Café, 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy.                  
• Shotgun Betty’s, 5535 Mills Civic Pkwy.                                                  
• Trader Joe’s, 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy.      

Employees issued citations for selling or providing alcohol to underaged person face a fine of $735.                

Establishments also face administrative sanctions under West Des Moines city code. Sanctions are:

First violation: 14-day license suspension or $500 civil penalty.

Second violation in two years: 30-day suspension and $1,500 civil penalty.

Third violation in three years: 60-day suspension and $1,500 civil penalty.