Alcohol compliance: Bars checked for serving underage patrons

Описание: Reported By: Kerri Corrado
Written By: Marc Stempka

ALTOONA, Pa. -- It's a portion of law enforcement that many may not think about: Making sure that those who are under the age of 21 aren't being served or getting access to booze at bars and businesses that serve alcohol.

But how do establishments in Pennsylvania get checked for compliance, to make sure they're looking at IDs and turning down people who are trying to get a drink before they're 21? 6 News reporter Kerri Corrado had the opportunity to tag along with officers who make random compliance checks at bars, taverns and restaurants.

Liquor control enforcement is handled as a division of the Pennsylvania State Police and local officers are based in Altoona, Blair County. The officers, who work undercover and cannot be publically identified, said they don't use any trickery in checking establishments.

"There are so many things that we find, that if you open up the paper and read [about], that they're alcohol related. I think a lot of people breeze over [them] because it's so socially acceptable," an Altoona officer said. "Our bureau doesn't think that it's a socially acceptable thing. They think it's a legalized drug and that we're out there to enforce responsible alcohol service."

Officers said they use interns or volunteers to conduct the compliance checks. Recently, Corrado went with the local officers on six compliance checks. Officers were accompanied by a 19-year-old, who used her own ID, to check the businesses out.

"This program has been implemented since 2003, so it is a very successful program [and] has proven to be very successful throughout the years while we've been doing the age compliance," another Altoona agents said. "It is probably the best tool that we have, I believe, for checking for sales to minors at licensed establishments."

Thursday on 6 News at 5, Corrado has the results of the recent establishment checks and whether or the businesses passed or failed and tells what happens to a business who is caught violating the law. On average, one out of every three businesses gets in trouble during an underage serving compliance check.