State: 5 Elgin bars, stores sold liquor to minors
FROM STAFF REPORTS June 22, 2012 5:48PM
Updated: July 25, 2012 6:39AM
SPRINGFIELD — Almost half the bars, restaurants and liquor stores in Elgin tested in a sting by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission last month agreed to sell liquor to minors and have been charged with violating state liquor laws, according to a press release issued by the commission Thursday.
Underage agents from the commission visited 114 businesses statewide, including 11 in Elgin, that are licensed to sell liquor. They found that 24 agreed to sell to a minor.
Elgin accounted for almost one-fifth of all the businesses statewide that failed the test. Statewide, 79 percent of the businesses refused to serve under-aged customers. But in Elgin only 55 percent refused.
The Elgin stings happened on Tuesday, May 15, and were conducted by ILCC agents plus Illinois Secretary of State police, the commission reported. Those charged with selling to minors were:
Nick’s Liquors, 71 Clock Tower Plaza.
Azteca De Oro Restaurant, 260 National St.
Price Rite Gas & Food, 180 Kimball St.
Mudd & Eddie’s Pub, 302 S. McLean Blvd.
Geno’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 300 S. McLean Blvd.
The commission said ILCC agents, local police and volunteers from high schools and colleges randomly visit liquor stores, restaurants and bars to check for ongoing compliance with state laws mandating that no liquor is sold to minors under the age of 21.
