The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco runs checks to make sure that retailers are complying with the law not to sell to minors.  The minors they send are: under 20 years of age; don't look appear older than they are; and, do not lie about their age or present fake IDs. 

I am told that compliance results usually run 65% (about 1/3 will sell to minors during these checks). This last batch showed only 20% compliance.  Here's the press release.

Press Release
Gene Lacy, State Supervisor for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, announces that the Division conducted 10 alcohol compliance check investigations in Jefferson County on May 18, 2009.

The investigations resulted in charges against 8 individuals.  Each was charged with sale of liquor to a minor. In addition, the retail locations were cited for sale of liquor to a minor and will face possible fines and/or suspension of their liquor licenses from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. 

Those facing charges are:
Jennifer Bakula - Quik Trip #618, 1069 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
Virginia Gaines - Smoke Shop, 1389 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
Joseph Sanders - Crystal City Citgo #111, 801 N. Truman Blvd., Crystal City, MO
Tracy Crabtree - Daily Cheap, 501 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
Ross Froman - 7-Eleven, 4039 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
John Mammen - Jeffco Fuels, 3998 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
Erik Knull - Arnold Gas & Food, 1502 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO
Jane Shelton - Daily Cheap, 506 Truman Blvd., Crystal City, MO

Supervisor Lacy pointed out that the following 2 retail locations did not sell to the undercover minor: Dirt Cheap Cigarettes & Beer, 1200 Big Bill Road, Arnold, MO; and Circle K #1640, 504 Jeffco Blvd., Arnold, MO.

Supervisor Lacy pointed out that these establishments and their employees are the first line of defense in the battle against underage drinking. He praised them for their continued efforts to make Missouri a safer and healthier place for our youth.

If you have any questions about the compliance check program please contact Department of Public Safety Communications Director Mike O'Connell at 573-751-4819.  If you are a retailer in need of server training please contact Special Agent Nancy McGee in the St. Louis District Office at (314) 340-6835.

In each case in which a charge was filed it should be noted that the charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.