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Did you pass the test? Police used decoys at liquor stores in Waterford Twp.

Police conduct alcohol enforcement township wide
Michigan liquor sales climb
Posted at 3:41 PM, Aug 17, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-17 16:09:50-04

WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — Did your business pass the test?

Waterford Township police used young adult decoys to see whether licensed beer, wine and spirits retailers were selling alcohol to minors.

The police department's investigation was in cooperation with the Waterford Coalition for Youth "to curtail the sale of alcohol to teens and young adults less than 21 years of age."

Here's what went down, according to police:

In May of this year thirty (30) of the Township’s fifty-six (56) licensed beer, wine and spirits retailers were visited in a covert fashion to check compliance with Michigan law regarding sales to minors. In the first half of August, seventeen (17) additional licensees were visited in a similar manner.
Our intent is to ensure those establishments licensed through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission are being diligent about checking identification and operating responsibly under the terms of their license. As licensees of the Liquor Control Commission and responsible members of the Waterford community, these establishments have a duty to ensure they are only selling beer, wine and liquor to people that are old enough to legally make those purchases.

Underage decoys visited various licensed retail establishments and tried to buy alcohol at 17 locations. Six of these businesses "violated state law and the terms of their license by selling alcohol to a person under 21 years of age."

  • Elmy’s Market, 3843 Elizabeth Lake Road
  • 7-Eleven, 11 S. Cass Lake Road
  • Sunoco, 5990 N Williams Lake Road
  • Wine Cellar/Buscemi’s, 1325 W Huron Street
  • Anthony’s Party, Store 6301 N Williams Lake Road
  • Williams Lake Market, 6919 N Williams Lake Road

All six violators were cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor and the licensees will be referred to the Liquor Control Commission for further action.

Eleven of the businesses investigated, "acted responsibly by asking for identification and refusing to sell alcohol to a person under 21, according to Waterford police.

There are more undercover operations to come for liquor stores in Waterford Township, police say.

All licensees within the Township will be checked at different times throughout each year. Those under age seeking to purchase alcohol, as well as those furnishing alcohol to minors are forewarned that enforcement efforts will continue.
We will employ all available investigative techniques as well as random uniform patrols to help curtail the purchase and consumption of alcohol by teens and young adults in our community.