One in four retailers on Kaua’i will sell liquor to minors. At least, that’s the result of the latest check conducted by the state Liquor Department for compliance with laws against selling alcohol to underage consumers. Eighteen months ago, 38
One in four retailers on Kaua’i will sell liquor to minors.
At least, that’s the result of the latest check conducted by the state Liquor Department for compliance with laws against selling alcohol to underage consumers.
Eighteen months ago, 38 percent of stores tested (26 out of 68) sold liquor to minors. This year, 25 percent (19 of 72) gave the kids a hand on the inebriation trail.
According to Kaua’i liquor department administrator Eric Honma, the compliance checks are part of a statewide effort to bring Hawai’i liquor licensees within the industry goal of 10 percent or less non-compliance with liquor laws.
The checks here were conducted by state liquor officials and the Kaua’i County Police Department, with the help of underage students trained by the University of Hawai’i Cancer Research Center in Honolulu.
The student entered stores and tried to buy beer, wine or whisky. They were told to present I.D. and/or state their correct age if asked.
Honma said that in many instances, the students were asked for I.D., presented their correct ages and were sold liquor, anyway.
The 19 clerks who sold liquor to the minors were issued citations and now face penalties of up to $2,000 in fines and/or a year in jail.
The owners of the stores were also cited and face suspension or revocation of their liquor license, in addition to fines.
The Liquor Commission addresses the owners’ citations at hearings.
Approximately two months before the recent compliance sweep, Honma said the liquor department sent notice to all licensees warning of the upcoming compliance sweeps.
Phase two of the compliance check program will be conducted at licensed establishments that serve liquor on the premises — restaurants, bars and hotels.
Honma noted that these licensees will also receive advance warning that the compliance checkers are coming.
He said the checks will likely become an annual event, at least until compliance reaches the 10 percent or less rate.
“We realize that it is a traumatic experience for both the licensee and the clerk who fail the compliance check,” he said. “However, the progress we’ve made (from mid-2000 to now) shows us that it’s an effective tool in helping the liquor industry attain its goal of 90 percent compliance.”
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
