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Office of the District Attorney
Albany County Alcohol Compliance Task Force Continues Compliance Inspections in Colonie No Underage Drinkers Found and Most Patrons Took Cabs Home ALBANY , NY – District Attorney P. David Soares announced today that the Albany County Alcohol Compliance Task Force conducted surprise inspections last night at three locations in the Town of Colonie. "I would like to thank all agencies involved for their participation in last night’s inspections. Underage drinking and DWI are two of the most preventable crimes and I commend these establishments for taking advantage of training and opportunities provided by this Task Force to ensure compliance by their patrons and staff. I am very encouraged by the results of last night’s compliance inspections and we will continue to conduct these surprise inspections to ensure the safety of our citizens," commented DA Soares. “It is my hope that the presence of this Task Force throughout Albany County will not only deter underage patrons, but also stop anyone who is considering driving drunk. There is no better result than leaving an inspection with no one in custody and watching responsible guests take cabs home.” Upon learning the outcome of the inspections, Colonie Police Chief Steven Heider remarked, “This is most rewarding outcome. At the end of the day, compliance is much better than making arrests and I will continue to work with our partners to ensure compliance in Colonie.” “Protecting the public is the overriding responsibility of the SLA, but it’s a responsibility we can’t carry out on our own. Conscientious licensees who refuse to sell to minors are critical, and we appreciate their efforts,” commented SLA Chairman Daniel Boyle. Ziggy’s Sport Bar at 821 New Loudon Road, Dapps at 2 Lincoln Ave, and Tommy’s Place at 462 Albany-Shaker Road were inspected by the compliance task force which consisted of Police Officers, Investigators and Attorneys from the District Attorney's Office, Colonie Police Department, New York State Police, State Liquor Authority and Department of Motor Vehicles. While Dapps had between 100 and 150 people in the bar, no underage patrons were found and no arrests for underage drinking were made in any of the bars. On Tuesday, April 15, 2008 the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), the Albany County District Attorney’s Office and the Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association (ESTRA) hosted a free training seminar entitled “the ABC’s of the Alcoholic Beverage Control law,” attended by more than 125 restaurant and bar owners in Albany County Scott Wexler, Executive Director of ESTRA, presented that training. After learning the results of the compliance inspection last evening, Mr. Wexler commented, “This demonstrates the benefits of trying to ensure compliance. The forward action of the DA’s Office and SLA provided information and training so that the restaurants and bars were prepared, and aware of their responsibilities. These are difficult, yet vitally important responsibilities and by continuing to work together to build these partnerships, we will make this community safer for everyone.” Additionally, in speaking with the staff at Dapps, they commented that after the training held in April, they were displaying the sign they received and using practices learned during the training. These county wide alcohol compliance checks began after the death of two underage drinkers that were driving the wrong way on 787 earlier this year. For further information contact: eather Streeter Orth
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