Half of Establishments Selling Liquor Failed in Lake Orion Decoy Operation

Half of the establishments with liquor licenses failed in a Lake Orion Police Department sting operation and sold alcohol to an under-aged decoy, according to a press release.

“Obviously, we are seeking a 100 percent Success rate, because when it comes to preventing alcohol sales to our youth, only a perfect score is a passing grade,”  Police Chief Jerry Narsh said in the release. “Removing the opportunity for our underage youth to obtain alcohol is a must for every community”

The controlled-buy alcohol decoy operation was conducted Friday, Oct. 18, at all establishments in the Village of Lake Orion that are licensed to sell alcohol by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).  

Under the Direction of Lieutenant Harold Rossman, the Lake Orion Police Department visited all licensed establishments with the aid of a 20-year-old male civilian. The underage decoy was in possession of a valid Michigan driver license.

“We are pleased for those establishments that took the time check the ID and turned away the decoy,” Narsh said. “We are saddened and frustrated that so many of our local businesses failed the test.”

Nash said his departmentwill work with the establishments that failed to ensure they take steps necessary to be in compliance with Michigan law at all times. In each case where an establishment sold alcoholic beverages to the decoy, the clerk or bartender who made the sale was ticketed for selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The establishments will have violation report completed and forwarded to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

The following licensees failed the operation:

• Sagebrush Cantina – 28 S. Broadway
• Valentino’s – 185 S. Broadway
• Broadway Grill – 453 S. Broadway
• 51 North – 51 North Broadway
• Sunoco – 378 S. Broadway

Those businesses found in compliance with the law included:

• Applebee’s – 305 S. Broadway
• CVS Pharmacy – 295 S. Broadway
• Valero – 415 S. Broadway
• Walgreen’s – 450 N. Park Blvd.
• CJ’s Sandbar – 12 S. Broadway