5th Precinct POP tackles underage alcohol sales

If you’re a store clerk who is thinking about selling alcohol to underage buyers, think again. The Nassau County Police Department 5th Precinct’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit is cracking down on the sale of alcohol to minors through a program called Project 21. 

The 5th Precinct’s POP Unit was set up to tackle issues that patrolling officers would find almost impossible to deal with, such as selling alcohol to minors.

Led by Sergeant Edward Grim, the unit successfully arrested two local deli clerks on May 11 for selling alcohol to underage buyers. The clerks were from Los Pinos Deli, at 1316 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, and Twin’s deli, at 1578 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont. 

The operation began in the early afternoon. Just as other busts by Project 21, the May 11 arrests were made through the use of undercover youths. 

“We use an underage agent, who’s under total observation by police, to enter the store and buy alcohol with marked bills,” Grim said. “(The agents) are not allowed to lie. If the clerk asks them how old they are, they give their real age. After the agents get the alcohol, we make the arrest.” Grim said that the same agent was used for both of the deli arrests.

Grim said that he’s surprised by the number of clerks who still sell alcohol to undercover agents, even after finding out they’re under 21. 

While other precincts within Nassau County’s police department give offenders a minor ticket, the POP Unit doesn’t just issue a slap on the wrist. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years, and everyone we catch gets arrested,” Grim said. 

Those arrested for Selling Alcohol to a Minor are charged with unlawful dealing with a child, and can receive up to one year in prison. However, “they rarely receive jail time,” Grim said. “Most often, they get fined.” 

And the clerk behind the counter isn’t the only one who gets in trouble, after a POP Unit Project 21 bust. The owner of the store also receives a referral to the liquor authority, which can end in a heavy fine, or even the loss of the owner’s license.   

The arrested clerks, from the Los Pinos and Twin’s delis, are currently awaiting court hearings.