RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) conducted an undercover alcohol compliance check operation in Nash and Edgecombe Counties on July 26, 2002. Of the 14 randomly chosen locations checked only one sold beer to the underage person.
"That's encouraging because it shows most store employees are checking IDs of those persons attempting to purchase alcoholic beverages," said Ron Gilliard, Assistant Supervisor of ALE's Tarboro District. "However, we still have work to do to keep young people from getting illegal access to alcohol."
Statistics show that alcohol kills 6.5 times more young people under the age of 21 than all other illicit drugs combined, and is the drug of choice for underage persons in North Carolina. Although underage persons obtain alcoholic beverages from many sources, reducing the source of supply through retail compliance checks has been shown to be one of the most effective strategies to reduce underage drinking.
ALE's alcohol compliance checks use an underage volunteer, working under the close supervision of ALE Agents, to go into an ABC licensed location in an attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. The minor adheres to strict guidelines set forth by ALE to ensure the appearance of entrapment is not present. For example, if a store clerk were to ask the minor how old they are, the minor is to tell them their actual age. The minors are to have a valid driver's license on their person at all times and are required to present it when asked.
Employees in the store who violated the law were issued criminal citations for selling alcoholic beverages to a person less than 21 years of age. In addition, an administrative violation report against the owner of the establishment will be submitted to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Commission in Raleigh, who may impose additional penalties.
ALE is a Division of the Department of Crime Control & Public Safety. The Division's field agents have statewide authority to enforce drug laws and laws dealing with the legal and illegal manufacture, sale, consumption, distribution and transportation of alcoholic beverages. ALE puts special emphasis on enforcing laws against the possession of alcohol by underage persons, and the prevention of violent crimes due to alcohol and drug abuse.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, call Asst. Supervisor Ron Gilliard in ALE's Tarboro office at 252-823-1442.
