Needham Police To Combat Underage Drinking with Extra Compliance Checks
Officers will be conducting 'stings' with the help of under-21 youth over the next six months.
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Needham Police are attempting to crack down on underage drinking, running additional alcohol compliance checks at local restaurants that are licensed to serve alcohol.
"In an effort to address the problem of underage drinking, we would like to officially notify you that the Needham Police Department will be conducting compliance checks of all licensed alcohol establishments in the community over the next six months," Needham Police Lt. Chris Baker wrote in a press release issued earlier in June.
"As part of these compliance checks, youth who are under the age of 21 will work in cooperation with the Needham Police Department as buyers," Baker continued.
Checks by local police will be done only in Needham restaurants where alcohol is served. Currently, the retail sale of alcohol in package stores, grocery stores or other establishments is not allowed in Needham.
"Departments in neighboring towns do shoulder tap compliance checks at their licensed alcohol retail outlets," Baker said.
John Casy
7:44 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Does the Needham Police really think there going to stop underage drinking? All there doing is bothering local restaurants trying to make a living.
When I was a teenager years ago we all drank and it has not stop teens from drinking to day.
Needham Police needs to spend there time fighting real crime.
Lisa
6:58 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
As a parent, I believe anything that can be done to stop underage drinking in Needham is welcome. I too was one of those that drank at an early age and wonder to this day how I survived without getting in a wreck. It wasnt until I had children myself that I realized how frightening it can be for a parent. I'm not against drinking - I just agree it should be at an age when you can drink responsibly.