TEWKSBURY – Chief Ryan Columbus reports that the Tewksbury Police Department conducted underage alcohol compliance checks and found violations at four establishments that will be forwarded to the Select Board.
All establishments in the Town of Tewksbury were notified via letter on March 24 that the Department would be conducting compliance checks pertaining to underage drinking and the sale of alcohol to minors.
“The Tewksbury Police Department is asking that each of you partner with us and work together to prevent any tragedies that may occur due to underage drinking,” Chief Columbus wrote in that letter. “The prom and graduation season is upcoming, and we are hoping that you will join us in this initiative.”
Chief Columbus also hosted a virtual meeting with proprietors on March 31, during which he spoke at length about the importance of preventing sales to minors and about how the compliance checks would work.
On Thursday, April 7, Tewksbury Police, working with a 19-year-old, conducted compliance checks at 10 establishments.
At the following businesses, the 19-year-old attempted to purchase a six-pack of beer and was asked for identification:
- JC Spirits, 1699 Shawsheen St.
- Smitty’s Liquors, 1091 Main St.
- Crystal General Store, 1120 Main St.
- Hobart’s Country Store, 2514 Main St.
- Tewksbury Convenient Store, 156 Shawsheen St.
- White Dove Pantry, 910 Andover St.
“I want to thank the proprietors and staff at these locations for taking this matter seriously and for ensuring that customers are asked for ID before alcohol sales are made,” said Chief Columbus. “These businesses clearly got the message when we discussed the importance of preventing alcohol sales to minors.”
At the following businesses, the 19-year-old purchased a six-pack of beer without being asked for identification:
- AJ’s Beer, Wine & Convenience, 2316 Main St.
- Lincoln Liquors, 10 Main St.
- Main Street Liquors, Inc., 391 Main St.
- Oakdale One Stop Liquors, 1900 Main St.
These violations will now be forwarded to the Select Board for disciplinary action that could potentially include license suspension.
“The Tewksbury Police Department and the Town of Tewksbury urge all business owners and license holders to work with us as we work to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors, and the tragedies that can often ensue,” said Chief Columbus.