Alexandria Police Arrest 18 in Alcohol Compliance Operation

Eighteen alcohol-selling establishments in Alexandria recently failed an alcohol compliance operation by police.

On Sept. 27, police conducted checks of 39 businesses throughout the city. Police instructed informants under 21 years old but older than 18 to enter the businesses and attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages. If asked for identification, the informant showed the clerk legal identification revealing that they were under 21.

If a sale was completed, officers entered the business and charged the sellers.

Arrests were made at 18 establishments:

• La Tastevin, 1309 King St.
• Old Town Grocery, 809 Pendleton St. 
• Safeway, 500 S. Royal St.
• The Virginia Shop, 104 S. Union St.
• Royal Market, 333 N. Royal St.
• 7-Eleven, 3412 Mt. Vernon Ave.
• Fern Street Gourmet, 1708 Fern St.
• Mercadito Ramos, 4102 Mt. Vernon Ave.     
• Tiger Market & Bakery, 3903 Mt. Vernon Ave.
• CVS Pharmacy, 3120 Duke St.             
• CVS Pharmacy, 5101 Duke St.             
• Griffin Market, 2500 N. Van Dorn St.             
• Giant Food, 3131 Duke St.             
• Main Street Market, 4901 Brenman Park Dr.         
• Clermont Deli Market, 4622 King St.               
• Lady Bodega, 235 S. Van Dorn St.               
• Giant Food, 5730 Edsall Road St.              
• Rite Aid Pharmacy, 4515 Duke St.

Business owners and employees found to be first-time offenders of selling alcohol to an underage customer can be penalized up to $2,000 and have their ABC license revoked.

The maximum penalty in Virginia for an employee who sells alcohol to minors is 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.