During a statewide crackdown on underage drinking, 13 Hudson Valley retailers were caught selling alcohol to undercover minors.

The sting operation was conducted by the State Liquor Authority, the Department of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement agencies. Decoy underage drinkers visited 756 convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores and other establishments throughout the state. During the operation, 200 of the businesses were caught making illegal sales.

The business that were caught selling to minors in the Hudson Valley were

  • Fishkill Beer & Soda 985 Main Street, Fishkill
  • Beacon Citgo Mart 425 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon
  • Nancy Convenience Inc 145 Fishkill Avenue, Beacon
  • A J Food Mart Inc 4152 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
  • Hyde Park Snack Shop Inc 4299 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
  • Auto Shine Carwash Inc 2646 South Road, Poughkeepsie
  • Campus Deli 11 Marist Drive, Poughkeepsie
  • Grocery Express 1942 South Road Route 9, Poughkeepsie
  • Speedway #07645 1542 Route 9, Wappingers Falls
  • Bourbon Street Liquors 4228 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
  • Viscount Wine & Liquor Store 1173 Route 9, Wappingers Falls
  • First Capital Mart Inc 85 Murray Street, Kingston
  • Gotham Market 3112 Route 9W, Saugerties

These businesses now face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation. Repeat offenders could also have their licenses suspended or revoked. Additionally, the employees who were caught selling to minors can also be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.

During last month's statewide sweep, DMV investigators also arrested an additional 48 people under the age of 21 who were caught using fake IDs to buy alcohol.  Locally, there were 11 fake IDs seized at Murphy's Restaurant and Pub in New Paltz on April 27. Ten of those people were arrested by authorities. Another arrest was made the same night at the Oasis Cafe in New Paltz.

Operation Prevent is an ongoing enforcement campaign which will continue to target bars and drinking establishments. You can expect more sting operations this summer, especially at outdoor concert events and other underage hangouts.

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