Joint Operation Cracks Down on Suppliers of Alcohol to Underage Drinkers

Contact: Richard Mayer, Chief, Athens Police (740) 592-3315; Ted Jones, Director, Ohio University Police, 593-1911

ATHENS, Ohio (May 19, 2000) -- Criminal charges are expected to be filed against 12-15 employees of 10 alcohol-permit premises in Athens as a result of a joint operation against underage drinking by the Athens and Ohio University police departments.

Criminal charges were served against four individuals Thursday, and the remainder will be served during the next few days. They involve bars and carryouts, including two establishments that were delivering beer to campus locations. The charges are the result of an operation that has been ongoing for approximately three weeks.

"We have become increasingly concerned about underage students being able to easily obtain alcohol," said Ohio University Director of Campus Safety Ted Jones. "We felt that the primary sources were permit premises and that the permit premises were not doing an effective job of checking identification."

Files from the investigation will be turned over to the Ohio Department of Public Safety/Investigative Unit for its use in filing license violations against the permit-holders, Athens Police Chief Richard Mayer said.

Criminal charges against individuals will be filed in Athens County Municipal Court.

"Despite working with local permit-holders to educate and inform them and their employees, we have continued to hear complaints about sales to underage persons," Mayer said. "We are obligated to take enforcement action to help increase compliance with the liquor laws and, hopefully, reduce the likelihood of serious consequences to others who are impacted by illegal sales."

"This operation is part of a cooperative effort between Athens and Ohio University to ensure the safety of Athens residents and university students," Jones said.