One-Day Suspension for Five Star Liquors

s will be forced to close for a day after an employee sold beer to a 20-year girl during a police sting in December.

Selectmen also supported Police Chief Normand Crepeau's recommendation that, in addition to a one-day suspension, all employees at the 197 Worcester St. businesses be required to take  training in alcohol sales and services, commonly known as TIPS training.

"They call it a sting, and that's what I want it to do, sting,'' Chief Crepeau said.

During the December undercover operation, an employee sold a six-pack of Bud Lite with lime to a 20-year-old without asking for ID, according to the police report.

The young woman left  the beer behind, and a co-worker, who had been TIPS trained, chased down the young woman with her purchase.

This is the only violation for Five Star Liquors in its three years of holding a liquor license.

Store manager Kirti Patel said that upon reviewing the tape of his employee selling beer to the underage woman, he fired her. He said she had not yet had TIPS training but said that is "no excuse.''

He assured selectmen there would be no additional problems at his establishment.

Selectman Mary Ann Cotton urged all liquor establishments to ask to see everyone's ID before selling alcohol. "That's the only guarantee'' that minors will not be served, she said.

Chief Crepeau agreed. "This is not rocket science,'' he said.