Underage Drinking Enforcement Op Checks 112 Putnam Businesses

Two people were arrested in a recent series of alcoholic beverage sales compliance checks throughout Putnam County.

Undercover members of the Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Enforcement Unit in conjunction with the Putnam County Communities That Care Coalition, which funds the operation, conducted 112 spot checks on retail establishments that sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption.

During the checks, a person under 21 and under the direct supervision of a law enforcement officer attempts to purchase alcohol without showing proof of age as required by law. If a sale is completed, then an arrest summons is issued.

During the course of this initiative, compliance checks were conducted in each town and village in Putnam.

The spot checks were conducted at various times during the day, and the businesses were identified through a list of licensed establishments provided by the New York State Division of Alcohol Beverage Control.

Of the places checked, two were found to be in violation of the Alcohol Beverage Control Act. At each, the clerk who completed the sale without requiring proper identification was arrested and charged with Unlawfully Dealing With a Child in the First Degree and issued an appearance ticket returnable to the appropriate local justice court.

A conviction for the offense carries a maximum penalty of up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000. In addition, the New York State Division of Alcohol Beverage Control will be notified for a determination if administrative action should be undertaken against the establishment for the violation.

The people charged and businesses that failed the compliance checks:

• Eljo Joseph, 35, Shell Gas, 3411 Danbury Road, Southeast
• Nicholas Ligouri, 58, Bella Vino Spirits, Routes 6/22, Southeast

In comparison, for 2014 there were 13 violations and arrests; and for 2013 a total of 4 people were charged.