Staff Writer

A new round of compliance checks on local alcohol sales had results similar to checks last month, according to Police Chief Robert Moulton.

Police logs indicate six of 16 stores and restaurants visited by a police detail Saturday sold or served alcohol to underage customers.

“It is a little surprising that so many violated,” Moulton said. A check of 17 stores in town last month netted eight violations.

Named in summonses were employees at The Beach House Market and Deli on East Grand Avenue; Chaba Thai Cuisine, Federal Spice Bistro, Amatos and Walgreens on Route 1; and Shaw’s Supermarket on Payne Road.

The summonses are civil violations and are forwarded to the Maine Bureau of Liquor Licensing and Compliance, which will determine penalties, Moulton said.

Moulton said a detail of officers from Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach and Saco have been checking stores and restaurants in the last couple of months. The underage customer is sometimes a volunteer for the detail and officers do not need to witness a sale to write a summons.

With summer coming, he wants store owners and employees to be more aware of who is trying to buy alcohol.

“The real dilemma is we have to reach store owners and they have to reach store employees,” Moulton said.

Staff writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 219