Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces crackdown on underage drinking

New York state agencies will work together to crack down on alcohol sales to minors and the use of fake IDs in college towns, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week.

The New York State Liquor Authority and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles will perform statewide searches of locations holding liquor licenses to look for fake IDs and alcohol sales to minors, the governor’s office said in a statement Tuesday. The state’s combined enforcement efforts start as college students across the state begin the fall semester.

Earlier this month, Cuomo announced a new DMV program that allows law enforcement officers to scan a license or ID using a smartphone app to see if the license matches driving records from any state. New York is the first state in the country to pilot the app, per the statement.

Law enforcement made 133 arrests in 2017 for possession of fake IDs used to buy alcohol, while the State Liquor Authority charged 83 licensees with selling alcohol to minors, according to a January news release.

People under 21 who are caught using fake IDs to purchase alcohol can be arrested and have their licenses revoked for a minimum of 90 days. If a business is charged with selling alcohol to someone under 21, it can be fined up to $10,000 per violation. Repeat offenders’ licenses can be suspended or revoked.

Cuomo has pledged to increase enforcement of state liquor laws as part of Operation Prevent, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing underage drinking and the use of fake IDs.