Hoboken PD Sends Undercover, Underage Cops Into Liquor Stores

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken police got complaints about stores selling teens booze. Last week, they sent two undercover, underage Jersey City cops to investigate. And when the dust had cleared, 10 local establishments were cited for allegedly serving underage patrons.

On Thursday, the Hoboken Police Department Alcoholic Beverage Control Unit released details of their recent, citywide sting operation, which took place on Saturday, Jan. 5 after authorities received “multiple complaints” about local liquor stores allegedly breaking the law.

In addition to alleged underage liquor sales, the complainants also reported “disorderly groups” and “loud music,” police said.

“This operation, the first of more to come, was led by Sergeant Charles Kucz and Detective Anthony Caruso with the assistance of two undercover Jersey City police officers who are under the legal drinking age,” the HPD stated in a news release.

During their sting operation, police entered 12 local establishments, ultimately issuing 10 of them administrative charges for sale to someone under the legal age to purchase alcohol.

“Please be advised that although summonses were issued each establishment has the right to dispute the charges at a hearing to be held at a later time, and issuance of said complaints does not automatically constitute guilt,” police said.

The following 10 establishments were cited:

• Village Market at 702 Washington Street
• Cork Wine & Spirits at 1450 Washington Street
• Blue Ribbon at 450 1st Street
• Daniel Liquors at 87 Garden Street
• Ottomanellis at 422 Monroe Street\
• Hoboken Discount Liquors at 98 Willow Avenue
• Augie’s Liquors at 419 Adams Street
• Sasso’s Deli at 1038 Garden Street
• Hoboken Vine at 400 Newark Street
• Yash Liquors at 1004 Washington Street

The other two establishments visited during the sting – Washington Liquors at 211 Washington Street and Willow Liquors and Grocery at 841 Willow Avenue – were in compliance with the law, police said.

Hoboken Police Chief Ken Ferrante thanked the involved officers, as well as citizens for “bringing this situation to light.” He also thanked Jersey City Chief of Police Michael Kelly for his cooperation, as well as the two involved officers.

• See related article: Hoboken Cops Continue Undercover Traffic Busts, Tickets Adding Up

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