Medford Cracking Down On Underage Alcohol Sales With New Compliance Checks

MEDFORD, MA — The city will conduct alcohol compliance checks twice a year at licensed establishments across the city, according to the Office of Prevention and Outreach. The effort is being done in collaboration with local law enforcement as well as the Medford Licensing Commission.

The checks will follow guidelines set by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The stated goal is to make sure alcohol retailers are following state laws that prohibit sales to people younger than 21 years old.

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As part of the program, supervised underage operatives will attempt to buy alcohol at licensed establishments. The city said those operatives do not misrepresent their age, do not carry false identification, and follow strict protocols so the checks are carried out fairly and without entrapment.

“This effort is about supporting our local businesses while prioritizing the health and safety of our community," Office Manager for the Office of Prevention and Outreach Catherine Dhingra said. “Compliance checks are an important tool to reinforce responsible alcohol sales practices and to prevent underage access to alcohol.”

The city said research shows that consistent compliance checks can significantly reduce illegal alcohol sales to minors. Medford is also expected to work with business owners by offering education, resources, and support to help establishments comply with state regulations in the long-term, according to the announcement.

The initiative combines enforcement with outreach to local retailers. While the checks are meant to test whether sellers are following the law, the city also used the announcement to remind licensed establishments to review ID-checking practices with staff and stay alert when verifying a customer’s age before completing an alcohol sale.

The start date for the compliance checks has yet to be announced. The city also did not identify which establishments will be checked.

"For business owners, the message from the city is straightforward: review procedures, train staff and make sure age verification practices are being followed," the city said in a statement. "

For residents, the city framed the effort as part of a broader public health and safety strategy aimed at limiting underage access to alcohol while keeping retailers informed about their responsibilities under state law.

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