BOSTON – The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), at the direction of Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, has one of the highest success rates in the nation at preventing underage alcohol sales.

In 2019 to date, the ABCC has conducted Compliance Checks in 101 municipalities across the commonwealth. Of the 1,184 licensed establishments checked so far, only 31 or 3% failed. In fact, since 2008, of the 23,927 licensed establishments that were tested only 4% failed. This places Massachusetts 12% above the national average compliance test success rate of 84%.

“Bars and restaurants have an obligation to responsibly serve to people who are the legal drinking age,” said Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. “I am proud of our team at the ABCC and we will continue our monitoring and enforcement programs because we know they save lives and prevent tragedies before they happen.”

During a compliance check, a minor will enter a licensed establishment and attempt to buy alcohol. If they are successful, the store owner/manager is informed of the operation, advised of the violation and required to appear before the Commission at a later date.

Operations are conducted in partnership with Community Coalitions across the state, with funding from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Highway Safety Division. The program is scheduled to continue throughout the summer.

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