The Brookline Police Department will know about at least a handful of underaged kids buying booze, because they will be working together: Yesterday, Police announced another series of stings to test liquor license holders' compliance with the town bylaws and state regulations.

So, if your business has a liquor license, keep checking those IDs (Also, point your employees to the press release below). 

These stings typically send an underage person--with guidance from a police officer--into a bar or package store, where they attempt to buy alcohol. If asked, the would-be young buyer gives their true birthdate, and does not attempt to mislead employees. If the seller makes the transaction, the alcohol goes into the custody of police after the purchase.

Establishments found to be out of compliance--that is, selling to someone under 21--are called to a hearing before the Board of Selectmen, which acts as the town's licensing authority. Selectmen can suspend or revoke the license of any establishment found to be violating liquor laws.

During the last round of stings, police said that any and all license-holding establishments may be tested during the next couple of months. For more information, call 617-730-2781.

The following is a release from the Brookline Police Department: 

The Brookline Police Department will be conducting liquor stings, which involve liquor compliance checks starting now throughout the next couple of months. These stings will be conducted at all liquor licensed establishments, including package stores, restaurants and variety stores. These compliance checks are part of the duties of the department’s liquor control officer and will be done on a continuous basis throughout the year. 

Preventing underage drinking is everyone’s responsibility. Compliance checks reassure youths do not have easy access to alcohol and that people over 21 years of age are not buying alcohol for underage youths, including employees and liquor license holders. Such activities and frequent oversight of alcohol retailers increases compliances. 

Thank you, 
Brookline Police Department