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Alcohol compliance checks were conducted the evening of July 29, 2010 on 12 local businesses which are licensed to sell alcohol beverages. The checks were coordinated with the Cass County Sheriff's Department, Walker Police Department and the Working Together Coalition.

Two students assisted Law Enforcement as underage buyers. The underage youth entered these businesses and attempted to illegally purchase alcoholic beverages. Eleven out of the 12 businesses that were checked refused to sell to our underage buyers. The efforts of the following businesses are commended for not selling to the underage buyers;

•Walker American Legion

•Café Zona Rose

•Chase on the Lake, 502

•Matty's

•Lucky Moose

•Charlie's Up North

•Charlie's Boat Bar

•McGuire's Inn on Woman Lake

•Hackensack American Legion

•River House

•Lucette's

[[In-content Ad]]One business that failed to comply with the law and sold to the underage buyer was referred to the Cass County Attorney's offices for appropriate action.

Illegal alcohol use by underage people contributes to crime, car crashes, injuries and death. Law enforcement officers find that alcohol also has a role in many of the more frequent minor crimes and nuisances that degrade the quality of life in our community. Many noise complaints, vandalism, littering and similar nuisances involve young people who have been drinking. Public health officials report that alcohol use and abuse is also connected with teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and other health problems.

We have learned that the community and our youth are safer and healthier when they don't start using alcohol until after they turn 21 years of age. Providing alcohol to an underage person is a Gross Misdemeanor offense punishable by fines up to $3000.00 and up to one year in jail. Typical offenders are fined several hundred dollars.

Please help keep the next generation safe, keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth. If you would like to help with this mission, please contact Kelly Felton, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist, Working Together; A Coalition for Safe and Healthy Families at 218-330-8129.

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