Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the results of joint efforts by the State Liquor Authority and the Department of Motor Vehicles to combat underage drinking. During this enforcement effort in the months of August, September and October, SLA sent underage decoys to 506 establishments, citing 141 for illegal sales to minors. In addition, DMV investigators arrested 271 people under the age of 21 attempting to use false identification to purchase alcohol.

"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions and dangerous situations that can have lifelong consequences or needless tragedy," Governor Cuomo said. "Through on-going enforcement efforts, we will continue to crack down on this dangerous behavior and target businesses that break the law by selling to minors and underage adults."

The SLA conducted 41 underage details in 30 counties, with investigators sending underage decoys into 506 locations holding liquor licenses, including restaurants, bars, grocery stores, convenience stores and liquor stores. The decoys were able to purchase alcohol at 141 businesses listed here. The 365 businesses refusing to sell to underage decoys are listed here.

During the investigations, SLA investigators entered the licensed premises separately from the undercover minor to observe and verify when illegal transactions occurred. Licensees charged by the SLA with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting from $2,500 to $3,000 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders also face potential suspension or revocation of their licenses.

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