For Release: Immediate  Date: October 23, 2002

Contact: Renee Hoffman CCPS Public Affairs Director (919) 733-5027 (ext. 231)

RALEIGH -- On October 3rd, 17th & 22nd, 2002, the North Carolina Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) conducted a three-day undercover alcohol compliance check operation in Pitt County, aptly entitled "Secret Shopper."

Secret Shopper uses 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.

A total of 30 locations were checked (including those 11 locations that sold previously during the first round) during this three-day operation. As a result, eight outlets sold alcoholic beverages to the minor, while 22 refused the sale. Of the 11 previous locations that sold, four again sold. Employees in those locations who violated the law were issued criminal citations for selling alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21. In addition, an administrative violation report against the owner of the premises will be submitted to the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Commission in Raleigh, which may impose additional penalties. Employees in those stores who did not sell to the minor were presented with a certificate and button congratulating them for a job well done. All locations checked were invited to attend an ALE conducted BARS (Be A Responsible Seller) program. This informative program is offered free of charge to ABC licensed businesses and serves as an educational tool to inform employees how to responsibly sell alcohol.

The following locations sold during the checks: Crandell's (Stokes), Wal-Mart (Greenville Blvd.), Piggly Wiggly (Dickinson Ave.), Piggly Wiggly (2nd offense-East 10th St.), Chicod Citgo (2nd offense- Hwy 43-Greenville), Fast Food (2nd offense- Memorial Drive), Ballard's Grocery (2nd offense-Greenville) and Edward's Grill (Farmville).

These locations did not sell: Food Lion (East 10th St.), Trade Mart (West 5th St.), Eckerd Drugs (Firetower Rd.), Servco (West Greenville Blvd.), Marathon Restaurant (Greenville), Fuel Doc (Memorial Dr.), Ruby Tuesday (Greenville), Trade Mart (East Marlboro Rd.- Farmville), Applebee's (S. West Blvd.), Pantry (S. Charles St.), Villa-Roma (Greenville), Duck Thru (East 10th St.), Plum Tree (Greenville), Professor O'Cools (Greenville), Food Lion (Winterville), Food Lion (Ayden), La-Vista Pizza and Subs (Greenville), Pantry (Firetower Rd.), Pantry (S. Memorial Dr.), Piggly Wiggly (Bethel), Piggly Wiggy (Grifton) and the Greenville Hilton.

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 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 and use of alcohol by underage persons, and the prevention of violent crime due to alcohol and drug abuse.

Editor's Note: For more information, call Asst. Supervisor Ron Gilliard in ALE's Tarboro office at 252-823-1442.

Back to Top

CCPS Home

Back to News Release List