Reading Police Participate In Program To Stop Underage Drinking Sales

READING, MA — Reading police conducted a "Cops in Shops" operation Thursday. The initiative is intended to stop those underage from attempting to buy alcohol at local retailers.

Cops in Shops was established by The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. It involves a partnership between retailers and law enforcement to help stop underage and illegal alcohol purchases and prevent adults from purchasing for kids.

All of Reading's liquor stores participated in the program including City Wine and Spirits, Reading Liquors, Reading Fine Wine, Square Liquors, and Liquor Junction, according to a police statement. Warning signs were posted at the participating retailers.

Detectives were assigned to each location Thursday. During the program, the officers shared their expertise with the retailers' employees on various subjects including false or fake IDs.

Detectives monitored a total of 154 liquor sales at five stores. No violations were reported.