Norwich police charge 3 after liquor compliance checks
Norwich — Police have charged clerks from three of 16 Norwich stores targeted in an undercover liquor compliance check on Thursday.
Clerks at Discount Liquor World, H and B Package Store and Occum Package Store all face charges of selling alcohol to a minor.
Phil Contreras, 54, of Ledyard; Justin A. Harley, 23, of Taftville; and Nicholas A. King, 22, of Norwich all were released on nonsurety bonds, but must appear in court on June 9 to answer to the charges.
The charges are the result of an investigation by Norwich police and the department’s community policing unit.
Police said they used four trained minors, ages 17 and 18, and sent them into the establishments to purchase alcohol.
Police said the offending liquor stores will be referred to the state Department of Consumer Protection’s Division of Liquor Control for possible sanctions.
Police said they will continue to partner with Norwich Youth and Family Services, the Norwich Prevention Council and Southeastern Region Action Council in an attempt to combat underage drinking.
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