FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF POLICE
Reading, MA the Reading Police Department Detective Unit conducted alcohol compliance checks on Thursday, September 27, 2018. Officers monitored licensed package stores, restaurants and clubs in Reading. This operation involved underage operatives attempting to purchase alcohol at local businesses with liquor licenses. During this operation, 24 local establishments passed the compliance check. Overall, there were no violations found with zero sales to a minor. The Haven Street Art Lounge and the Reading Overseas Veterans establishment were not open at the time of the operation. The establishments that were 100% compliant were:
| 1. American Legion Post 62 | 13. Longhorn Steak House |
| 2. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza | 14. Mandarin Reading Restaurant |
| 3. Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant | 15. Meadow Brook Golf Club |
| 4. Biltmore & Main | 16. Oye’s Restaurant |
| 5. Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant | 17. Pamplemousse |
| 6. Bunratty Tavern | 18. Reading Fine Wine & Liquors |
| 7. Café Capri | 19. Ricky’s Liquor |
| 8. Chipotle Grill | 20. Zucca Italian Restaurant and Bar |
| 9. Chili’s Grill & Bar | 21. Fusilli’s Cucina |
| 10. Fuddruckers | 22. Square Liquors |
| 11. Knights of Columbus | 23. Wine and Spirits |
| 12. Liquor Junction | 24. Venetian Moon Restaurant |
Since 2008, there has been a multi-faceted effort spearheaded by Police, Town, and School Leaders working with the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse to improve local liquor policy, responsible beverage service education, training, and alcohol enforcement. These efforts led to improvements in our local compliance rate. The average compliance rate from 2008-2017 is 96% (pass) and 4% (fail). The Reading Police Department will continue to monitor local liquor establishments throughout the year and into the future. Communities like Reading that have reduced the availability of alcohol to underage drinkers have experienced fewer crashes and fewer crimes. According to the Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey results, the rate of underage drinking has significantly declined. Preventing underage drinking in Reading is everyone’s responsibility!
