Alcohol compliance checks slated to continue in Swampscott

SWAMPSCOTT – The police department will continue making alcohol compliance checks this year.The checks, which are conducted by the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission and Swampscott Police Department, are sting operations where a minor tries to procure alcoholic beverages from establishments in town that sell or serve alcohol.There are 11 establishments in town that sell or serve alcohol and Police Chief Ronald Madigan said the minimum age purchase law compliance checks are conducted at least once a year in town.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 alcohol. According to the ABCC, the sting operations have faced persistent legal challenge from licensees but the operations have survived all legal challenges to date.Last month the police department received a $5,000 alcohol enforcement grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety. Madigan said some of the grant money would also be used for compliance checks of local businesses that sell or serve alcohol.In February 2008, eight local businesses were caught selling to minors in a sting. According to police a minor was sent into the 11 establishments in town that serve and/or sell alcohol on Feb. 8 and eight of the businesses sold alcohol to the minor without asking for identification.Fiory’s Variety on Burrill Street, Uno’s Chicago Grill, C&L Package Store, Gourmet Garden, Thai Thani, Hawthorne by the Sea, Café Paradiso and Red Rock Bistro were all cited for selling to a minor.