On Saturday, Dec. 20, Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies and an employee of the Damariscotta Police Department conducted 36 alcohol compliance checks throughout Lincoln County.

During this time, 10 retailers in Lincoln County failed to properly identify a minor working with the sheriff’s office resulting in an illegal sale.

The checks conducted in Lincoln County were paid for by the state of Maine with funds that have been specifically earmarked for use in reducing underage access to alcohol.

The sheriff’s office conducted these checks under a memorandum with the state of Maine, which authorized specially trained deputies to enforce administrative laws related to the sale of alcohol.

The sheriff’s office intends to use these first rounds of compliance checks as an educational opportunity for all of the retailers licensed for the sale of off-premise liquor. Deputies with the sheriff’s office are currently working with the retailers that failed in hopes that they will agree to increased training, clearer policies and better equipment for their employees.

This option appears better than simply placing the offense in an administrate court where only a fine would likely result. It is anticipated that once these changes are made the violations on Saturday will be filed unless additional violations occur during future checks over the next year.

These checks are part of the sheriff’s office continued efforts to reduce the access and use of alcohol by minors. In almost every instance it appears that those retailers who sold to a minor the act was unintentional.

The sheriff’s office plans to continue its partnership and information sharing with local police departments to conduct future compliance checks.

Lincoln County retailers may contact the sheriff’s office directly if they want assistance on ways to deter the sale of alcohol to minors or attend a training session in Wiscasset scheduled for Jan. 15, 2015.

Retailers can contact Frank Lyons of B.C. Consultants directly at 207-373-6995 for information related to the Wiscasset training. This training is being hosted by Healthy Lincoln County, Communities Against Substance Abuse, and all Lincoln County law enforcement agencies.