Underage alcohol compliance checks begin this month

LYNN – The Lynn Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in conjunction with the Lynn Licensing Board and Girls Inc., will conduct random underage alcohol compliance operations beginning this month.These efforts are to insure that no underage persons purchase alcohol. The operation will be performed under the guidelines prescribed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and State Law and are expected to continue throughout the year.The purpose and goal of these underage compliance operations is to raise awareness and conformity to the laws and regulations that govern the sale of alcoholic beverages. The operations may include visits to bars, clubs, restaurants and package stores throughout the city.”It is necessary to educate, and raise the awareness of the license holders, in order to help prevent alcohol related tragedies,” said Sgt. Rick Carrow, supervisor of the Special Investigations Unit.Establishments that do not comply are revisited by the officers, and informed about the operation. Additionally, reports of non-compliance are forwarded to the local licensing board and to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for review.During the last operation, only one licensed liquor establishment failed to comply. The employees of Dymes, located at 780 Washington St. were discovered selling alcoholic beverages to an underage volunteer. They were also discovered selling alcoholic beverages to an underage female who was not involved in the operation.