ICYMI: 23 Reading Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks

Nearly two dozen Reading businesses were subject to alcohol compliance checks from the Reading Police Department in June and none failed.

The RPD Detective Unit conducted the checks on June 18, monitoring licensed package stores, restaurants and clubs around town. The alcohol compliance checks utilized underage operatives attempting to buy alcohol at 23 businesses. None of the businesses, however, sold alcohol to a minor, police said.

Twenty-one of the establishments passed the compliance check and the the American Legion Post 62 and Reading Overseas Veterans would not even allow the would-be underage patrons to enter the premises at the time of operation, according to authorities.

The following establishments were 100 percent compliant:

• American Legion Post 62
• Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant
• Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant
• Busa’s Liquors
• Café Capri
• Chili’s Grill & Bar
• Fuddruckers
• Grumpy Doyle’s
• Knights of Columbus
• Liquor Junction
• Longhorn Steak House
• Mandarin Reading Restaurant
• Meadow Brook Golf Club
• Oye’s Restaurant
• Pamplemousse
• Portland Pie Company
• Reading Overseas Veterans
• Ricky’s Liqours
• Ristorante Pavarotti
• Sam’s Bistro
• Square Liquors
• The Wine Shop
• Venetian Moon Restaurant

Between 2008 and 2015, the average compliance rates in Reading are 94 percent pass and 6 percent fail. Additionally, according to Reading Youth Behavior Survey results, the percent of underage drinking has dropped from 48 percent in 2007 to 41 percent in 2013.

Police said since 2008 there has been a concerted effort between police, town and school leaders, in cooperation with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse, to improve local liquor policy, responsible beverage service education, training, and alcohol enforcement.