Compliance Checks

Compliance checks are conducted by sending an underage person into an establishment to try to purchase alcohol or tobacco. Many of the minors used for the checks are children of police officers who want to get involved in law enforcement, members of the Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) clubs at local schools, members of the Police Explorers club, or Boy Scouts completing an Eagle project.

During the compliance check, boys cannot have any facial hair and girls cannot be wearing any makeup. The minors are told to be truthful about their age and to answer any questions they are asked. They are sent into the establishments with their real ID and either pick up beer and bring it to the counter, ask for a pack of cigarettes, or sit down at a table and order an alcoholic drink. If they are served, the seller is subject to a citation or arrest. In the case of alcohol establishments, the ABC permits can be suspended, revoked or the owners required to pay a fine.

« this page last modified 10/06/05 »