The Talbot County Liquor Inspector has been working closely over the past several months with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that all liquor licensees comply with laws that prohibit the sale of alcohol to underage patrons, reduce and prosecute 3rd party sales to minors, and properly identify fake ID’s.

Recent operations in Easton have resulted in the charging of an adult on June 2 for providing nearly $300 in alcohol to a minor, while the minor was cited for possession. Additionally, a recent compliance check resulted in one liquor licensee being charged with selling alcohol to an underage police cadet. The business received a citation and will be referred to the Talbot County Board of Liquor License Commissioners.

After receiving several complaints of possible minors consuming alcohol in a local establishment, the Talbot County Liquor Inspector visited the establishment and was assisting employees in how to identify fake IDs.  While there, the inspector observed three minors present IDs he immediately identified as being fake.   The inspector contacted the local police agency and the minors were cited for attempting to purchase alcohol with fake IDs.

These actions by law enforcement and the liquor Inspector are intended to reinforce the fact that providing alcohol to youth by either businesses or individuals is illegal, as is the purchase or possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years old.

According to Liquor Inspector Kenley Timms, this cooperative effort with local police is working well. Inspector Timms advised that the intention of these actions is to reduce access of alcohol to the youth of our community. Easy Access to alcohol was identified as one of the root causes of the substance abuse problem in Talbot County, as identified by the Blue Ribbon Commission, which was appointed by the County Council.