Burlington Police Prepare To Sting Liquor Stores

BURLINGTON, MA — Police will visit Burlington businesses that hold liquor licenses to conduct random alcohol compliance checks during the first week of June, Chief Thomas Browne said Friday.

The checks are meant to curb underage drinking and the sale of alcohol to minors. Underage buyers typically volunteer with police to visit local businesses and try to buy alcohol. If their purchase is successful, the business fails the check and can be subject to a fine or suspension.

Burlington police put the compliance checks on hold when the COVID-19 pandemic hit to keep face-to-face contact to a minimum — otherwise, the checks are performed yearly, the department said. Only one Burlington business failed in 2019, the department's most recent round of checks.

Police in Massachusetts are required by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to let the public know before they conduct compliance checks.