4 Tewksbury Liquor Stores Fail Underage Alcohol Sale Compliance Checks

TEWKSBURY, MA — Four liquor stores in Tewksbury failed alcohol compliance checks conducted to prevent the underage sale of alcohol, according to police.

Police said the store that failed the check were:

• AJ's Beer, Wine & Convenience, 2316 Main St.
• Lincoln Liquors, 10 Main St.
• Main Street Liquors, Inc., 391 Main St.
• Oakdale One Stop Liquors, 1900 Main St.

These violations will now be forwarded to the Select Board for disciplinary action that could potentially include license suspension.

"The Tewksbury Police Department and the Town of Tewksbury urge all business owners and license holders to work with us as we work to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, and the tragedies that can often ensue," said Police Chief Ryan Columbus.

Columbus said the stores received a letter on March 24, warning that there would be upcoming compliance checks. He also hosted a virtual meeting with business owners on March 31, during which he spoke at length about the importance of preventing sales to minors and about how the compliance checks would work, police said.

"The Tewksbury Police Department is asking that each of you partner with us and work together to prevent any tragedies that may occur due to underage drinking," Columbus wrote in the letter. "The prom and graduation season is upcoming, and we are hoping that you will join us in this initiative."

Police said the compliance checks happened on Thursday, and Tewksbury officers worked with a 19-year-old to conduct 10 checks. Police said the following stores passed the test by asking for identification:

• JC Spirits, 1699 Shawsheen St.
• Smitty's Liquors, 1091 Main St.
• Crystal General Store, 1120 Main St.
• Hobart's Country Store, 2514 Main St.
• Tewksbury Convenient Store, 156 Shawsheen St.
• White Dove Pantry, 910 Andover St.

"I want to thank the proprietors and staff at these locations for taking this matter seriously and for ensuring that customers are asked for ID before alcohol sales are made,"Columbus said. "These businesses clearly got the message when we discussed the importance of preventing alcohol sales to minors."