"Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions that could
have lifelong consequences, or worse, and this administration is committed to
taking proactive measures to prevent young New Yorkers from purchasing and
abusing alcohol," Governor Cuomo said. "These statewide enforcement
sweeps will continue to be a part of our efforts to deter underage drinking and
the avoidable tragedies that too often follow."
The combined enforcement effort will begin immediately as
college students return to campus for the fall semester. The enhanced
enforcement sweeps build upon the Governor's successful safety initiatives to
deter underage drinking and prevent the purchase and use of false
identification documents, and supplement the State Liquor Authority and DMV's
regular underage enforcement efforts conducted throughout the year.
Persons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or
false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have
their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year. Additionally,
businesses charged by the State Liquor Authority with underage sales face civil
penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and repeat offenders also face
potential suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses.
This fall, the State Liquor Authority and the Empire State
Restaurant & Tavern Association will again host a series of free compliance
trainings throughout the state. These day-long programs for bar, restaurant and
tavern owners and their staff focus on the legal responsibilities of selling
alcohol and provide training in practical skills to help licensees and their
employees fulfill their legal responsibilities, including preventing sales to minors.
Research shows that each year, nationwide:
• More than 1,800 college students die from alcohol-related
injuries;
• 696,000 college students are assaulted by another student
that has been drinking; and
• 97,000 college students experience alcohol-related sexual
assault.
