READING — The Reading Police Department is committed to stopping underage individuals from attempting to buy alcohol at local retailers. To support this effort, the Reading Police Department Detectives Unit conducted a special Cops in Shops® operation on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Cops in Shops® — established by The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (responsibility.org) — is a unique partnership between retailers and law enforcement that helps stop underage and illegal alcohol purchases and prevent adults from purchasing for kids.
All of Reading’s liquor stores participated in the program including City Wine and Spirits, Reading Liquors, Reading Fine Wine, Square Liquors and Liquor Junction. The program was preceded by the posting of warning signs at the participating retailers.
On Dec. 12, detectives were assigned to each location. During the program, the officers shared their expertise with the retailers’ employees on various subjects including false or fake IDs. Detectives monitored a total of 154 liquor sales at five stores.
Overall, no violations were reported.
The department would like to thank the store owners and management for their cooperation throughout this operation.
