Crime & Safety

Undercover Probe Snares 2 Businesses For Underage Sale Of Alcohol

Seven businesses passed test and refused to sell alcohol to undercover agent who is under 21 years old.

In an effort to crackdown on underage drinking, Rockland law enforcement officials put nine businesses to the test: Would they sell alcohol to someone under age 21?

Two businesses failed the test, according to police, who happily noted seven other businesses passed the undercover test – with some of these businesses not even allowing an undercover agent in the door because he was not 21.

The operation included Stony Point police, the Rockland County
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Rockland County Drug Task Force. Using an undercover agent who was under 21, the operation targeted stores and bars licensed to sell alcohol, going to the establishments on Nov. 23 starting at 8 p.m.

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The undercover agent tried to purchase alcohol and was successful in doing that at the Stony Point Food Mart on Route 9W and the Stony Point Fuel Mart on Willow Grove Road, police said. As a result, two clerks were charged with violating state law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under age 21 and with unlawfully dealing with a child.

Charged were:
— Shahzad A. Mirza, 39, of 638 Plum Terrace,  Mahwah, NJ.
— Rajesh Sharma, 45, 111 S. Liberty Dr., Stony Point.

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They are scheduled to appear in Stony Point Town COurt on Dec. 15.

The seven businesses that refused sale or entry to the undercover were:

— Noels Restaurant, Stony Point
— Halligans Pub, Stony Point
— The Fireside Steakhouse, Stony Point
— Sheerans Restaurant, Stony Point
— Stony Food and News, Stony Point
— The Shell Gas Station, Stony Point
— Route 9W Mobil, Stony Point

This operation was funded by the Rockland County STOP D.W.I. program.


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