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Three Elmwood Park businesses cited for selling liquor to minors
Updated: May 20, 2012 8:34AM
State investigators, assisted by Elmwood Park Police Department, cited three local businesses for selling liquor to patrons who were under 21 years old.
The sting involving agents with Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Liquor Commission and local police targeted 19 local businesses. The sting took place April 10 with two 20-year-olds, working undercover on behalf of the state.
The two 20-year-olds, one female and one male, would enter a restaurant or store and place an order for alcohol or purchase it, while an agent in the same location observed what took place. If the employee or manager of the business on duty did not ask for identification to verify age they were considered to be in violation.
Of the 19 businesses checked, three were cited: Baciami Restaurant and Bar, 18 Conti Parkway; Hunter’s Tavern, 7232 W. Diversey Ave.; and Rock and Shop Convenience Store, 7843 W. Belmont Ave.
Rich Mazzulla, owner of Baciami Restaurant and Bar, said his employees are usually strict about making sure they don’t sell liquor to minors.
“We dropped the ball,” he said. “One slipped through the cracks. I don’t think it was anything intentional.”
He said his business doesn’t condone selling to persons under 21 and has advised his staff to pay more attention while on the job.
“You just have to watch so that it won’t happen again,” he said.
The three who were cited, which included two employees and the owner of convenience store, are scheduled to appear in local court at 3 p.m. May 3.
The fine varies between $50 and $750.
