Three Elkridge Liquor Stores Get Thank-You Notes from Police

Three Elkridge liquor stores are receiving letters of appreciation from the Howard County Police Department after passing a recent test, officials said Monday.

The Perfect Pour, Lark Brown Liquors and Twisted Cork refused to sell alcohol to a minor and will receive letters of appreciation from Chief Gary Gardner, police said.

A dozen liquor stores around the county were tested when a 17-year-old volunteer went undercover and tried to buy alcohol, according to the Howard County Police Department.

The volunteer, who is a member of HC DrugFree, had an ID that clearly showed he was not 21 years old, according to police, who reported some stores checked his ID while others did not.

In addition to the three in Elkridge, police said seven other businesses will receive letters of thanks from Gardner for helping to curb underage drinking: Kings Contrivance Liquor and Smoke Shop and Dobbin Square Liquors in Columbia; I.M. Wine in Fulton; Bottom of the Bay, Cherry’s Liquors and Montpelier Liquors in Laurel; and Friendship Liquors in West Friendship.

Two stores did not pass the test, according to police:

• All Saints Liquors in Laurel
• Angels Cut Wine & Spirits in Ellicott City

Police said those two were cited and must appear before the Howard County Alcohol Beverage Hearing Board regarding the violations.

Patch File Photo.