Press Release from the Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force
ALCOHOL SALES COMPLIANCE CHECKS – SPRING 2023
The end of the school year includes memorable events such as prom and graduation. Unfortunately, these events can include concerns about underage drinking and substance abuse.
Throughout this season, businesses throughout Lake County saw teens entering their stores attempting to purchase alcohol. This was part of a county-wide effort to continue promoting positive practices by stores and restaurants that sell alcohol. Law enforcement agencies worked with local groups and young adults to see if they could purchase alcohol with identification that showed they were under 21.
“Consistency from community to community and monitoring underage drinking issues will help us be successful in addressing this problem and saving lives. Our desire is to see 100% compliance, but it is refreshing to see that 90% of the businesses that were checked realize the seriousness of this issue and did not sell alcohol to the underage participants”, commented Steve Husak, Chairman of the Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force.
Sale of alcohol to a person under 21 years of age is illegal under local and state laws and is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, fine, or probation.
Liquor compliance checks are part of an initiative by the Lake County Underage Drinking and Drug Prevention Task Force. This task force was formed in 2007 to provide leadership and resources to reduce and prevent underage drinking and other youth substance abuse in Lake County. The task force is made up of a diverse group of citizens including community members, school officials, parents, law enforcement personnel, and other professionals.
ALCOHOL SALES COMPLIANCE CHECKS – SPRING 2023
June 20, 2023
Police departments that participated in the recent compliance checks include:
Department Checks Violations
Highland Park 12 3
Kildeer 11 0
Lake County Sheriff 55 2
Lake Forest 14 4
Lake Zurich 21 1
Lincolnshire 18 2
Riverwoods 4 1
Total 135 13
