The Hoboken Police Department (HPD) announces an undercover operation targeting local liquor stores resulted in charges against six local establishments for selling to individuals under the age of 21. The operation, led by Lt. Charles Kucz and Sgt. Anthony Caruso of HPD’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Unit, was initiated following community concerns regarding local liquor stores selling to underage residents.
The investigation, which took place over two days during a two-week period, involved visits to 21 liquor stores across Hoboken. Six of those establishments sold alcoholic beverages to a 20-year-old undercover Hoboken officer, without requesting identification to ensure he was at least 21 years old. The establishments include:
The liquor license holder at each of these locations faces administrative charges, with hearings to be scheduled before the Hoboken ABC Board. If found guilty, penalties include fines and/or a possible suspension or revocation of the license. Additionally, cashiers who sold the alcohol were charged with 2C:33-17a, “selling of alcoholic beverages to an underage person,” a disorderly person's offense. If found guilty, they face fines up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.
“This operation emphasizes the importance of all stores following State and local alcohol-related laws, which our department will continue to enforce,” said Lt. Kucz, ABC Unit Commander. “These regulations are in place to ensure public safety, and HPD remains committed to addressing the illegal sale of alcohol to those underage in our community.”
The ABC Unit is dedicated to ensuring full compliance with New Jersey's alcoholic beverage laws, rules, and regulations within the City of Hoboken, through routine inspections and investigations. For more information about the unit, go to: https://hobokenpdnj.gov/alcoholic-beverage-control-unit/
