Investigation battles sale of liquor to minors

On Tuesday night a 19-year-old female, went to 15 Vernon County businesses attempting to buy package liquor.

Some may find the outcome surprising -- she was able to purchase in six of them: Strangeland's Tobacco Shack, Cash and Dash on U.S. Highway 54 East, Ramey's Village Market, Fastrip on Highland and North Ash, Mr. D's Smoke Shop and Ricketts Southside Plaza.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Mike Harwell reported that the sting is done with an underage volunteer and two highway patrolmen. "They go in and an officer in civilian clothes mills around while the volunteer attempts to purchase alcohol," said Harwell. Later a trooper in uniform went back to inform the store and the clerk what had happened and that charges would be filed by the Vernon County Prosecuting Attorney and the Missouri Liquor Control Agency would be contacted. The alcohol will be kept as evidence.

Beth Stokes, of the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, said the punishment to the business for liquor law violations can range from suspension of the liquor license to a fine of up to $1,000. "It's really just case by case," she said.

Harwell was not really surprised that 40 percent of the stores stung were found in violation. "That's why we are doing this," said Harwell, adding that this sting was part of an effort to cut down on the amount of underage drinking done locally. "We've had a problem with parties where there was a lot of minors," he said.

Harwell said that they tried to pick every store in Vernon County that sold package liquor. "If we didn't get them this time we will get them next time."

However, Don Adams, of Mr. D's Smoke Shop, felt that the smaller stores were targeted and there was one glaring omission in the list of visited businesses.

"I can't believe they didn't go to Wal-Mart," he said.