Repeat offender nabbed in Swampscott liquor sting

SWAMPSCOTT – Gourmet Garden was caught selling alcohol to minors again in an undercover sting operation.According to police, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and Swampscott Police Department conducted the sting Wednesday. Detective Sgt. Tim Cassidy said ABCC Inspector Paul Capurso picked a 19-year-old male for the operation.”He entered 13 of our local businesses in an attempt to purchase alcohol,” Cassidy said. “The Swampscott Police are pleased to report that only one out of the 13 businesses sold to the underage male party. We are still striving for 100 percent compliance but were pleased with the outcome especially in light of the last compliance check where eight of our businesses failed the test.”The department has conducted only two sting operations this year and Gourmet Garden was cited during both stings for selling to minors.Eight local businesses including Gourmet Garden were caught in a similar sting operation on Feb. 8In March, the Board of Selectmen, which is the licensing authority in town, imposed a 3-day suspension for C&L Liquors and Thai Thani because they had previous offenses. Gourmet Garden and the other first time offenders were given a one-day suspension.Selectman Adam Forman said the selectmen were just made aware of the most recent violation and has not discussed the issue.”But I expect we would take an approach that is consistent with the way we handled violations the last time around,” he said. “But the good news here is 12 of the 13 were compliant and I’m thrilled to hear that. The bad news is we have a repeat offender and that is disappointing.”ABCC Executive Director Ralph Sacramone said the Investigative Division of the ABCC, with assistance of local police, has conducted sting operations throughout the state since 1994 in an attempt to stem sales to minors. The sting operations target both liquor stores and establishments that serve alcoholic beverages.According to the ABBC, the sting operations have faced persistent legal challenge from licensees but the operations have survived all legal challenges to date.