Police Departments Conduct Alcohol Compliance Operation

Garden City Police Commissioner Ernest J. Cipullo announces that the Garden City Police Department, Hempstead Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department have conducted a joint operation in the Hempstead, Garden City, Garden City South and Franklin Square areas in regards to reports of establishments selling alcohol to minors including children from Garden City. On March 28, 2008, Detectives from Garden City, Hempstead, and Nassau County Police Departments conducted surveillance at several local establishments to determine if they were selling alcohol to minors. The results were positive. All stores checked but one were in compliance with state and local laws in regards to selling alcohol to minors. The operation did result in the arrest of one subject for selling alcohol to minors. The arrested person, a male, 46, from Floral Park was working as a clerk at the Lux Oil Convenience Store on Clinton Street in Hempstead when he was videotaped selling alcohol to a minor. He was charged with Unlawfully Dealing With a Minor, First Degree.

The Garden City, Hempstead, and Nassau County Police Departments initiated this operation after several complaints were received concerning youths buying alcohol from local establishments. The information came from concerned citizens, parents and police officers. Together, the three departments shared information that they had gathered to determine a list of possible establishments that were selling alcohol to minors. Commissioner Cipullo stated "This operation is a great example of the working relationship between the Hempstead, Nassau and Garden City Police Departments in their commitment to foster a safer environment for children of all communities."