BCAT News

The Burlington Police Department is warning restaurants and liquor stores in town to be vigilant and make sure they are checking IDs.

Chief Thomas P. Browne reports that the Burlington Police Department will be conducting random alcohol compliance checks at local establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol during the first week of June.

“Compliance checks are done to prevent people under the age of 21 from obtaining alcohol, and to ensure that local businesses and restaurants that hold liquor licenses, and their employees, are not providing alcohol to minors,” the release states. “Effective and regular compliance checks help reduce the sale of alcohol to minors and curb underage drinking, as well as help prevent issues connected to alcohol consumption such as alcohol-related traffic crashes, crime, health issues and poor performance in school.”

According to Chief Browne, these enforcement actions are not related to any specific rise or spike in underage drinking in Burlington, but instead are a proactive approach by the Police Department in dealing with a problem facing every city and town.

The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission requires that local authorities notify the public that they intend to conduct compliance checks prior to doing so.