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Cuomo announced a statewide crackdown on underage drinking. Over the next two months, the State Liquor Authority Beverage Control Investigators (SLA) will work with underage decoys, conducting sweeps at locations including bars, restaurants, grocery and liquor stores.
Cuomo said he will be working with state investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles during some of the enforcement operations, as they conduct their own fake ID enforcement sweeps throughout the state.
“Underage drinking and fake IDs are not only illegal, but can lead to reckless decisions that have life-altering consequences,” Cuomo said in a statement announcing the sweeps. “These operations will build on our successful efforts to protect our state’s youth, safeguard our roadways from impaired drivers and hold accountable those who seek to enable this dangerous behavior.”
According to Cuomo, the sweeps will begin this weekend, extending through April. The enforcement sweeps “support Cuomo’s focus on deterring underage drinking and preventing the purchase of false identification documents.”
“Preventing underage drinking is a full-time job and we are proud to partner with SLA not only during this stepped-up enforcement period, but year-round. Governor Cuomo’s focus on underage drinking prevention has led to new and renewed partnerships between state agencies,” DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan stated. “Working together, we are enforcing the laws while improving public safety in New York’s communities.”
This enforcement comes not he heels of sweeps conducted late last year, that resulted in the seizure of nearly 900 fraudulent licenses and the arrests of 818 underage individuals attempting to purchase alcohol - both single year records.
“The SLA has the responsibility to make sure that businesses are following the law and are not endangering the safety of our communities or young New Yorker’s by serving underage persons,” SLA Chairman Vincent Bradley said in a statement. “Working with the DMV will greatly enhance our efforts by targeting both businesses selling to minors as well as targeting those attempting to purchase alcohol using fake IDs.”
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