“Thirteen of 28 liquor and convenience stores in Bristol sold alcohol to minors, according to a recent compliance check by local and state authorities.
The check was conducted the Bristol Police Department, Bristol Eliminating Substance Use together, known as BEST, and the Connecticut State Liquor Commission on Tuesday, July 16.
For the compliance check, the two volunteers, both 18, attempted to purchase alcohol in the stores using only their own identification and answering all questions regarding their age honestly, said Christina Sanchez, BEST prevention coordinator for the grant youth coalition.
“It’s very disappointing for us and Bristol,” Sanchez said. “We aren’t trying to trick package stores, make youth appear older. The volunteers used their own I.D.s. Before they go in there’s an agent that goes in to make sure the youth is safe. They have to be truthful, if any questions are asked and if the clerk says, ‘How old are you?’ They have to say 18.” ”