SANFORD — Police Chief Thomas Connolly said he is surprised that clerks from three local stores allegedly sold alcohol to underage customers.

The stores, as well as the clerks who allegedly sold the liquor in an undercover compliance check May 13, were issued summonses, Connolly said in a prepared statement. In all, 14 stores were checked.

Cited were Hannaford and store clerk Michaela Young, 20, of Springvale; L’il Mart and clerk Kent Holst, 31, of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire; and Gulf Express and clerk Jayantkumar S. Patel, 39, of Sanford. All of the stores are on Main Street.

Hannaford corporate spokesman Michael Norton said he could not speak specifically to the case involving the company’s Sanford location, but in general terms said the store provides training on alcohol sales.

“We train pretty extensively,” said Norton. “We do our best to make sure we are in compliance and if not, we get to the root of the issue and correct it.” He said the company provides ongoing training.

Connolly said 14 compliance checks were conducted May 13 between 8-11 p.m. The three Sanford Police Department officers conducting the checks were assisted by an 18-year-old, who attempted to purchase the alcohol.

Connolly said the 18- year-old was instructed to enter the store, pick up alcohol, take it to the counter and attempt to buy it. If the clerk asked for identification, the minor was instructed to say he didn’t possess an ID, Connolly said.

“I am amazed by the fact that people continue to sell alcohol to minors,” said Connolly. “How hard is it to ask for an ID? Every establishment in the city knows that we randomly perform compliance checks. After all of the past compliance checks that we have completed, and all of the information that is disseminated about selling alcohol to underage people, it still happens.”

Connolly said he encourages every manager or owner of a store that sells or serves alcohol to have their employees attend alcohol server-seller training that is offered several times a year in Sanford.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].