Clerks at eight of 11 stores fail booze test

The Daily Inter Lake

Eight store clerks were cited for selling alcohol to minors last weekend after failing compliance checks.

Clerks at three other stores passed the test by refusing to sell alcohol after determining the buyer was underage.

Sheriff's Detective Travis Bruyer coordinated an Alcohol Enforcement Team operation that sent two teams of officers to 11 Flathead County stores on Saturday night.

At each one, an underage volunteer "buyer" tried to purchase alcohol. The buyers carried their own valid, unaltered drivers' licenses and presented identification when the clerks asked them to do so.

The compliance checks were conducted as both Flathead and Bigfork high schools celebrated their homecoming weekends.

Places where clerks were cited for selling alcohol to minors were Lane's, Your Turn, Ferndale Market, City Market/Deli, Woody's Country Store, Local Joe's Gas & Deli, Bigfork Stage Stop and White Oak C-Store.

The stores which complied with Montana law by refusing to sell to minors were Echo Lake Store, Town Pump/Four Corners and Lake Hills I.G.A.

Over the homecoming weekend, 14 minors were cited for underage drinking or possession of alcohol. In addition, four of them were charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Owners of stores which sell age-restricted products are encouraged to contact Wendy Olson at The Summit at 751-4502.

A free "Tips Light" training is offered to help clerks recognize valid IDs and identify issues involved in responsible alcohol sales.