City cracks down on underage drinking, 184 establishments busted for illegal sales

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday, May 5 the results of a series of crackdowns on underage drinking recently conducted by the State Liquor Authority (SLA) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Throughout March and April, underage SLA decoys visited 647 establishments, 184 of which made illegal sales. Licensees caught making underage sales face penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, as well as fines starting at $2,500 for a first time offense. Repeat offenders may have their license suspended or revoked.

During this time, DMV enforcement operations also confiscated 127 fake IDs and arrested 112 people attempting to purchase alcohol while underage. Those found to be using fake IDs or documents to purchase alcohol may have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

“Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions that could lead to potentially lifelong consequences,” Cuomo said. “This administration has zero tolerance for reckless and irresponsible behavior, and by working together with local law enforcement, this state continues to take proactive measures to crack down on underage drinking and those who enable it.”