State Police carry out an underage drinking enforcement detail in Warren County checking dozens of businesses for compliance with alcohol laws

New York – An undercover enforcement effort carried out by the New York State Police in Warren County this past week placed the spotlight on how businesses handle alcohol sales to young people. The initiative, known as an Underage Drinking Enforcement Detail, was conducted across multiple towns with the clear goal of keeping alcohol out of the hands of those under 21.

According to officials, 35 establishments were visited during the sweep. Two businesses failed to comply with New York’s Beverage Control Law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the legal drinking age. As a result, two individuals are now facing charges of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree, a class “A” misdemeanor. The businesses cited for violations were the Mobil station at 3624 Route 9 in Lake George and the Food Mart at 474 Aviation Road in Queensbury.

While the infractions are serious, authorities also emphasized that the majority of businesses demonstrated strict compliance with the law. A long list of convenience stores, gas stations, liquor shops, and pharmacies throughout Lake George, Queensbury, Warrensburg, and Glens Falls successfully passed the check, showing that many establishments are taking the issue seriously.

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The compliant businesses included well-known chains like Cumberland Farms, Stewart’s, Sunoco, Citgo, Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar General, as well as locally owned stores such as Ray’s Liquor Store in Warrensburg and Jim’s Wine & Liquor in Queensbury. Their recognition underscores the important role that clerks and cashiers play in protecting young people by asking for identification and refusing sales when appropriate.

Enforcement details of this kind rely on careful planning and discreet operations. State Police explained that a plainclothes Trooper accompanies underage operatives into the establishments. The young people chosen for this role are not permitted to lie about their age or present fake identification. Instead, the process is designed to mimic a real-world scenario in which a minor attempts to purchase alcohol without deception. The responsibility then falls squarely on the store clerk to follow the law and deny the sale.

Authorities say the outcome of this latest detail is a reminder that compliance checks are not just about enforcement—they are about prevention. Underage drinking has long been tied to serious risks, from impaired driving and alcohol-related injuries to long-term health issues. By ensuring that businesses follow the law, police believe they are reducing opportunities for underage access at one of the most common entry points: the retail counter.

“This type of operation is intended to protect our youth and keep our communities safe,” a State Police spokesperson said, noting that future details will continue across the region. The agency also stressed that businesses found in violation face not only criminal charges but also possible penalties from the New York State Liquor Authority, which can range from fines to suspension of licenses.

For Warren County residents, the news highlights a community-wide balancing act. On one hand, businesses are vital to local commerce, and many rely on alcohol sales as a significant part of their operations. On the other hand, the risks associated with underage drinking are well documented, making vigilance at the counter more than just a legal requirement—it is a matter of public safety.

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The extensive list of compliant businesses released by police reflects the scale of the enforcement effort and sends a message that responsibility is the norm, not the exception. With 33 out of 35 establishments following the law, local leaders hope the trend will continue as awareness spreads.

Still, the two violations stand as a cautionary tale. Even one illegal sale can lead to serious consequences for both the seller and the community. Police urged all business owners and employees to review their practices, ensure proper ID checks are always conducted, and remember the stakes involved when alcohol is sold to minors.

As enforcement details move forward, Warren County joins a broader statewide push to curb underage drinking. Officials say the goal is not only to hold violators accountable but also to build stronger partnerships with local businesses, reinforcing the message that keeping alcohol away from minors is a shared responsibility.