Four clerks caught selling alcohol illegally

Kalispell police this week cited four clerks who sold alcohol to an underage buyer.

Another nine clerks passed the compliance check, which tests businesses ability to identify and refuse to sell alcohol to people under 21.

The Kalispell department and others send in someone who is under the age of 21, attempting to buy alcohol.

"Generally speaking, it's improved," said Police Chief Frank Garner of compliance. "Retailers are taking it seriously."

In August, eight of nine clerks who were tested were cited. In December, only one of nine failed.

Garner said businesses have put employees through free training, in conjunction with The Summit, to help them understand and comply with the law.

Those who fail a compliance check are cited and face fines in court. With further citations come increasing sanctions that can ultimately lead to the loss of the business' liquor licensee.

Three of the four businesses who failed the test this week had failed before. They are Town Pump, Appleway Conoco and Ole's Conoco. Tidyman's also failed this time.

Besides the legal stick for those who illegally sell alcohol comes a carrot for those who do not.

Gift certificates are given to clerks who pass.

This week, the businesses who complied with the checks were Noon's East, Wine and Spirits, Michael's Exxon West, Meridian Express and Deli, Mulligan's Conoco, Noon's South, Michael's Exxon South, Rosauers and Smith's.

"Our goal is compliance," Garner said.

In some states, the alcohol industry polices itself. In Montana, Department of Revenue and local law-enforcement officers do it instead, Garner said.