Lynn’s liquor stores post 100 percent compliance on checks

LYNN – The city’s liquor stores went through underage alcohol compliance checks on March 25 and all passed with flying colors.Members of the Lynn Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and representatives from Girl’s Inc. tested all 35 liquor stores to make sure they are in compliance with the laws that govern the sale of alcoholic beverages.The operation was conducted in accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and state law.Teams of underage volunteers from Girl’s Inc. and SIU officers visited the package stores.They are expected to continue conducting compliance checks throughout the year.SIU supervisor Rick Carrow, who said his unit works closely with the Lynn Licensing Board and Girls Inc., said the results of the operation were very successful and reported 100 percent compliance.According to police, the goal of the operation is to continue to achieve voluntary compliance from the establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.By doing so, police hope parents and guardians will be made aware of the results, and in turn educate their children about the potential dangers and legal consequences associated with underage drinking.During the last compliance check on Nov. 19, 2007 only one licensed liquor establishment failed to comply.The employees of Dymes Redemption Center, located at 780 Washington St., were caught selling alcoholic beverages to an underage volunteer, and vodka to a second underage female from Marblehead who was not involved in the operation.The Licensing Board ordered Dymes to serve a 60-day suspension for the third and fourth offenses it received during the compliance check.The suspension included 30 days for the offenses and 30 days for serving minors and a lack of management control.When establishments are found to be in non-compliance, they are revisited by the officers and informed of the operation.Reports of non-compliance are forwarded to the licensing board and to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission for review.