27 Somerville establishments found to be 100% in compliance

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Office of Prevention (SOP) Director Cory Mashburn announced today that Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) and the Somerville Police Department conducted a successful minimum age alcoholic beverage purchase law compliance check in Somerville. The compliance checks are completed annually. 27 licensed establishments in Somerville were visited by members of SCAP, including student leaders, and the Somerville Police Department in April, and all were found to be in compliance.

Participating teenagers received training on how to help police conduct the checks, and were given a breathalyzer test before the start of the operation and again after the evening was over. The teams targeted package stores, bars and restaurants that had “all-forms” liquor licenses. Participating police officers included Warren Chaille, who is assigned to the Somerville Licensing Commission.

“These results are a testament to the education and knowledge that our licensees are receiving,” said Mashburn. “The licensees during this compliance check demonstrated that carding those who try to purchase alcohol in Somerville is a top priority.”

Somerville Police Chief Thomas Pasquarello said that routine undercover checks are a priority of the Police Department, and that he was pleased with the high compliance rate. “Most of our stores, bars, and restaurants take this responsibility seriously,” said Pasquarello. “We appreciate their cooperation, and their commitment to keeping alcohol out of underage hands.”

For more information, please contact Cory Mashburn, Director, Somerville Office of Prevention, at (617) 625-6600, x2570.