Officials: Liquor store fined, license pulled for a day over sale to minor

WEST HAVEN — A Campbell Avenue package store will have its liquor license suspended for one day and pay a penalty after state inspectors witnessed the alleged sale of vodka and rum to a 20-year-old in May, according to state officials.

According to state documents, two agents with the Department of Consumer Protection’s Liquor Control Division conducted an investigation of Campbell Package Store at 983 Campbell Ave. on May 14. After waiting about 30 minutes, the agents reported seeing a “younglooking” man enter the store. When he exited 10 minutes later, agents said they introduced themselves; the patron’s ID indicated he was 20 and a New Haven resident, according to the agency.

Agents reported the man purchased a one-liter bottle of vodka and a 375-ml bottle of rum in the store, which they seized, according to the agency. The patron allegedly told agents he was not asked for identification while making the purchase.

Agents also reported an additional violation: the store’s liquor license was posted on a wall behind the register, but was not framed.

An employee who answered the phone of Campbell Package Store Tuesday and Thursday declined to comment; a message left at the store Wednesday seeking comment was not returned.

According to a Department of Consumer Protection spokeswoman, the package store owners paid a $3,000 penalty and their license will be suspended for one day on Sept. 13.