LIHU‘E — Local authorities are going to be cracking down on illegal liquor sales this holiday season.
Investigators from the county Department of Liquor Control will focus enforcement efforts across the island to ensure beer, wine and hard liquor are sold safely and responsibly.
“Investigators plan to conduct compliance checks at Kaua‘i businesses and work directly with business owners to identify minors using false identification to buy alcohol,” the department said in a statement on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
“The operation, which begins in December and runs through early January 2023, is part of the Department of Liquor Control’s overall mission to keep alcohol out of the hands of anyone younger than 21.”
To that extent, minors will be working with department personnel and will go into businesses to try and purchase alcohol. Should a sale to a minor occur, investigators would then enter the offending business to notify a manager of the violation.
Additionally, liquor investigators are expected to join security personnel at certain locations to assist in screening identifications of customers as they enter the premises.
“The Liquor Department’s goal with these operations is to collaborate with businesses to ensure they’re equipped to operate safely and successfully, especially as they prepare for a busy holiday season and New Year,” the department said in a statement.
Scofflaws will be cited or arrested, and then must appear in court. If found guilty, they may face a fine of up to $2,000 and/or one year in jail. Also, the business licensee may be penalized up to $5,000 or have their liquor license suspended or revoked.
Businesses with questions can contact the department at 808-241-4966 or liquor@kauai.gov.
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Wyatt Haupt Jr., editor, can be reached at 808-245-0457 or whaupt@thegardenisland.com.
