Ellicott City Liquor Store Cited for Selling to Minors

An Ellicott City liquor store was among the six establishments recently cited by Howard County police for selling liquor to underage customers, police said Thursday.

Those liquor stores are:

• Dorsey Search Wine & Spirits, 4725 Dorsey Hall Dr., Ellicott City

• Jessup Discount Liquor, 7880 Washington Blvd., Elkridge

• Elkridge Discount Liquor, 5827 Washington Blvd., Elkridge

• Troy Farms Liquors, 6161 Meadowridge Rd., Elkridge

• Lark Brown Liquors, 6590 Old Waterloo Rd., Elkridge

• Waterloo Liquors, 6524 Old Waterloo Rd., Elkridge

All establishments cited will be brought before the Alcoholic Beverage Hearing Board for violation hearings, police said.

Here’s how the test worked: Police said they sent two 19-year-old police cadets into the stores to try to buy alcohol.

Some of the clerks checked the license to see the age of the buyers; others didn’t, according to police. The identification cards would have revealed they were under 21 years of age.

Police Chief William McMahon said he will be sending letters of appreciation to the following businesses, which did not sell to the minors:

All Saints Liquors, Montpelier Liquors and Cherry Tree Spirit Shoppe, all in Laurel; Star Liquors in Jessup; Dobbin Square Liquors, in Columbia; Harwood Convenience in Elkridge; Highland Wine & Spirits in Highland; 108 Wine & Spirits and Vintage Cellars, both in Clarksville; and Centennial Cue & Karaoke, in Ellicott City.

Police said citizens who are aware of underage drinking or establishments that sell alcohol to minors should call 410-313-STOP or provide tips through the free smartphone app, “iWatchHowardCounty.”

“The police department continues to focus on reducing inappropriate use of alcohol and drunk driving, particularly among young people,” officials said in a release. “The department also wishes to remind everyone that adults hosting parties where alcohol is served to minors face stiff penalties and criminal charges.”

See related content:

- Liquor Stores in Elkridge Keep Kids Away from the Bottle

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