Four businesses in Sanford allegedly violated state law by selling liquor to underage customers, police announced Thursday.

The police department conducted alcohol compliance checks at 13 businesses in the city and found four that illegally sold alcohol. Those businesses were Shaw’s Supermarket, Rite Aid, Circl K and Lil Mart, Police Chief Thomas Connolly said in a prepared statement.

Each business was issued a notice of violation, which was forwarded to the state’s Department of Public Safety Liquor Licensing Unit. First-time offenders face a fine up to $1,800. Repeat offenders face a higher fine and possible liquor license revocation.

“I am a little surprised that we found four establishments that illegally sold alcohol to minors,” Connolly said. “Aggressively enforcing the laws regarding minors possessing alcohol will reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and death that occur too often when our youth consume alcohol.”

The Sanford Strong Coalition and Partners for Healthier Communities, which funded the compliance checks, will hold alcohol sales training for businesses on March 5 at the Sanford Police Department. More information is available by calling Nichole Ivey at 603-767-0253.


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