Underage Buyers Aid Liquor Store Sting

FOR THE RECORD: 5-2-97 Minor problem: To clarify a story on page B3 Thursday, six Spokane stores out of 43 investigated were cited last week for selling alcohol to minors. The story incorrectly implied the problem is more widespread.

One out of every seven stores in Spokane that sell alcohol sold it to underage buyers in a citywide sting, authorities said.

Spokane police and Washington State Liquor Control Board investigators conducted the sting Friday, hitting 43 liquor stores and supermarkets.

Six outlets were cited for selling alcohol to minors and face fines up to $500.

Underage buyers working with police took marked $10 bills into the businesses and attempted to buy booze. Clerks who made the illegal sales were cited.

The cited stores: state liquor store at 1011 W. Garland; Safeway at 10100 N. U.S. Highway 2; Excell Food Store at 17th Avenue and Ray; Huckleberry’s at 926 S. Monroe; Exxon convenience store at 924 E. Francis; and JB’s Foods at 5503 N. Alberta.

, DataTimes