WCNC investigates underage alcohol sales

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When you see the video, the problem is clear. Underage teens can walk right into stores and buy beer. And it happens over, and over, and over again.

On a Friday night, the WCNC team went undercover with the Mecklenburg County ABC Enforcement Team. We used a hidden camera inside the store, and watched as a 16-year-old went up to the counter and tried to buy beer. For his confidentiality, we didn’t show his face. But it was a normal teen -- he wasn’t someone who looked much older than he really was.

At most stores, the clerks correctly followed the law, and refused to sell the drinks.

One told our teen, “Can’t buy that here, bro.”

Another said, “Nope. I can’t do that, sir.”

But at three of the 15 stores on our list, the teen did buy a 24-ounce beer.

At the Hari Express on Brookshire Boulevard, the store clerk never checked ID. He simply put the beer in the bag and allowed our teen to walk out. When we asked him why he sold the drink, he said it was “because of the rush.” He also said it was the first time he had ever made the mistake.

At the Bi-Lo on Ashley Road, the clerk did check ID, but according to police, she must have gotten the math wrong. On our cameras, you can see the clerk look at the ID for about 45 seconds before she hands the ID back and hands the beer over. Bi-Lo declined comment at the store.

Finally, we went to the QuikMart on Freedom Drive. The clerk also had problems with math, and potentially his eyesight too. While the teen tries to buy the beer, the clerk asks the teen “you’re 27 years old.” Our teen was born in 1991. The clerk told us he thought the license said 1981.

When we reminded him that the license also says “Under 18,” he responded by saying he doesn’t look at that. He just looks at the birth date.

We were with just one of four police teams out on the night. In all, 60 stores were checked. Eight clerks were cited for selling to underage minors. They were:

Hari Express 4200 Brookshire Blvd
Bi-Lo 1620 Ashley Rd.
Quick Mart 2501 Freedom Dr.
Eckerd 2215 South Tryon St.
On the Run 8010 South Tryon St.
On the Run 12710 South Tryon St.
Food Lion 20125 North main St. Cornelius
On the Run 9502 Mt Holly Huntersville Rd

What is the law for selling alcohol to minors?
It shall be unlawful for any person to:
(1) Sell or give malt beverages or unfortified wine to anyone less than 21 years old; or
(2) Sell or give fortified wine, spirituous liquor, or mixed beverages to anyone less than 21 years old.

How often do police check stores?
Typically in Mecklenburg County officers will check some stores about one night a month.

Do police use teen decoys that look older than they actually are?
No. They insist their goal on these compliance-checks is to use teens that look the part. In fact, they’d rather use teens that look younger than their age because they are really trying to bust the stores and the clerks that are clearly breaking the law.

How do I find out which stores are violating the law?
You can see the latest reports at the Mecklenburg County ABC Law Enforcement website at http://www.meckabc.com/enforcement_violation.aspx.

If I think a store is selling to underage people, how can I report them?
If the store is in Mecklenburg County, you can contact the ABC Law Enforcement Division at 704-731-5830. If the store is in another county, contact your local ABC team.