"These statewide enforcement sweeps are proactive
measures to deter underage drinking that can lead to life-altering
consequences," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is committed to
building on our already successful efforts to protect our state's youth, keep
our roadways safe, and hold those who enable underage drinking
accountable."
Governor Cuomo's safety initiatives are focused on deterring
underage drinking and preventing the purchase and use of false identification.
These statewide sweeps are in addition to the SLA and DMV's underage
enforcement efforts conducted throughout the year. In January 2019, Governor
Cuomo announced the DMV charged 892 individuals with possessing fake
identifications in 2018.
State Liquor Authority Chairman Vincent Bradley said,
"It is a priority for the State Liquor Authority to prevent the sale of
alcohol to minors and our responsibility to make sure businesses are following
the law. Working with the DMV enables us to target both businesses selling to
minors as well as those attempting to purchase fake IDs."
Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of
Motor Vehicles and Acting GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "I applaud
all those working in collaboration to crack down on underage drinking. The use
of fake identification and sale of alcohol to minors puts New York's youth at
risk and others if they choose to drive after drinking. The record number of fake identification
seizures last year shows that we and our partners at SLA and in law enforcement
take this issue seriously and will continue to do so."
OASAS Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez said,
"Underage drinking can result in multiple health problems for young
people, including a greater risk of developing a substance use disorder later
in life. These crackdowns are important prevention efforts that will help deter
young folks from engaging in risky behaviors and keep them safe. We are pleased
to work with the Governor and other state agencies on this and other valuable
initiatives to help save lives."
Persons under the age of 21 found to be using fake IDs or
false documents with the intent to purchase alcohol can be arrested and have
their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year. Businesses
charged by the SLA with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000
per violation, and repeat offenders face potential suspension or revocation of
their licenses. Additionally, employees or licensees who sell to minors can be
arrested and charged with a misdemeanor.
The SLA continues to aggressively enforce underage drinking
laws and provide education and training to licensees and their staff. In 2018,
the SLA issued 1,090 penalties to licensed retailers for underage sales. The
number of Alcohol Training and Awareness (ATAP) trainings completed by
licensees and their staff increased by more than 20 percent from 18,881 in 2017
to 23,139 in 2018. This includes more than 400 business owners and servers who
received free ATAP training hosted by the SLA in collaboration with the Empire
State Restaurant & Tavern Association (ESRTA). This fall, the SLA and ESRTA are again
hosting a series of free compliance trainings throughout the state as part of
Governor Cuomo's continued efforts to combat underage drinking.
