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Three Area Businesses Fail Latest Round of Alcohol Compliance Checks

Non-Compliant Rate Down Significantly from 20 Percent Last December

Project Extra Mile News Release on October 24, 2006

Three (6 percent) alcohol retail outlets checked by law enforcement in Saunders County sold alcohol to underage purchasers. Law enforcement officers from three area agencies collaborated to check 50 on and off-sale retail establishments during alcohol compliance checks held on July 22 and September 22, 2006.

"We are happy to see a significant decrease in the non-compliant rate," said Investigator Kevin Stukenholtz of the Saunders County Sheriff's Office. "Enforcement efforts are an effective strategy to reduce the number of businesses selling alcohol to minors. However, there is always room for improvement, so we will continue conducting compliance checks to send a clear message to area establishments that selling alcohol to minors is illegal and will not be tolerated in Saunders County."

Of the three businesses that failed the compliance checks, one business, Kady's Shack II in Cedar Bluffs, checked the minor's identification and sold alcohol anyway.

The businesses that failed the compliance checks include: Ashland Keno Kove, 115 North 14th Street in Ashland; Country Store, 999 County Road M in Mead; and Kady's Shack II, 110 West Main Street in Cedar Bluffs.

"Business owners and managers need to be vigilant in their efforts to prevent alcohol sales to minors," said Chassity Bassett, project coordinator for Project Extra Mile. "The most recent compliance check results do indicate that most retailers are working to prevent alcohol sales to minors; however, it is important that we address those businesses that continue to put the lives of young people at risk."

Officers from the Nebraska State Patrol, the Saunders County Sheriff's Office, and the Wahoo Police Department conducted the compliance checks in coordination with Project Extra Mile.

Six minors, with an average age of 16 years old, participated in the compliance checks. The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety provided funding for the operation. The Three Rivers Public Health Department in Fremont provides funding for Project Extra Mile in Dodge, Saunders, and Washington Counties.

For more information, please contact Kevin Stukenholtz at the Saunders County Sheriff's Office (402-444-3718) or Chassity Bassett at Project Extra Mile (402-727-4473)