Dover Police cite slew of liquor establishments that sold to underage customers

Th enforcement initiative was funded by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission as part of an ongoing effort to promote public safety, ensure compliance with state liquor laws, and reduce underage access to alcohol (Courtesy photo)

DOVER - About one in five Dover establishments that sell liquor allowed underage individuals to make purchases of booze during a crackdown this month into illegal sales.

The crackdown was part of a combined effort of the Dover Police Department and the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's Division of Enforcement.

As part of the operation, underage individuals working under the direction of law enforcement attempted to purchase alcohol at 67 establishments, 13 of which allowed minors to make the purchase.

As a result, 12 individuals were charged with Prohibited Sales under New Hampshire RSA 179:5 for selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21. In addition, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission issued administrative sanctions to those businesses for violations of their state-issued liquor licenses, according to as release sent out by Dover Police on Monday.

The establishments that were affected by the noncompliance were not named.

Th enforcement initiative was funded by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission as part of an ongoing effort to promote public safety, ensure compliance with state liquor laws, and reduce underage access to alcohol. Similar compliance checks will continue periodically throughout the year.