Neighbor News
Stoneham Police Conduct Alcohol Compliance Checks
Compliance checks for service to minors conducted for Stoneham businesses who hold a liquor license, majority of businesses pass
Stoneham Police Department (SPD), in partnership with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) and the Stoneham Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Community, conducted compliance checks the evening of Monday, May 13th on 17 Stoneham businesses that possess an alcohol license.
These spot checks are conducted to confirm that businesses are correctly verifying that individuals who are attempting to purchase alcohol are the legal age of 21 or older.
During these random checks, a volunteer youth (under 21) assists SPD and the ABCC as an underage buyer and attempts to purchase an alcoholic beverage at registered businesses.
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Out of the 17 businesses checked on Monday evening, 15 retailers were in compliance, meaning the minor’s ID was checked, and no service was provided. Stoneham Police Sergeant Christopher Apalakis, the lead at SPD for compliance checks, would like to see 100% compliance but is happy with only two violations. “We are very encouraged that the vast majority of businesses understand the collective responsibility in our community to work together to keep kids from using harmful substances like alcohol.”
Retailers that fail compliance will need to attend a hearing in front of the ABCC to determine the best course of action to address the violation.
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Stoneham Coalition for a Safe and Healthy Community, a local coalition focused on youth substance use prevention, sponsors these compliance checks as a prevention initiative and an effective strategy in decreasing youth access to alcohol. “The Coalition understands that everybody in this community plays a part in creating a safe and healthy community.” Kayla Vodka, Substance Use Prevention Program Director states. “It is our moral obligation to our young people that we take steps to reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs among adolescents.”
The Stoneham Coalition is a grant-funded organization made up of 12 sectors of the Stoneham Community, including law enforcement, the school district, hospitals, and youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Club. If you would like to learn more or get involved, contact Kayla Vodka, Program Director, at kvodka@stoneham-ma.gov.
