Dedham Police to Conduct Alcohol Sting Operations at Licensed Businesses

The Dedham Police Department is preparing to conduct alcohol sting operations to ensure licensed establishments are complying with regulations, the department announced this week. 

"The Dedham Police Department recognizes the need to monitor and educate all alcoholic beverage license holders regarding the dangers of underage drinking," police said in a statement. "All alcoholic beverage license holders are reminded to be vigilant in verifying age with proper identification prior to selling alcoholic beverages."

Police added in the statement:

"Although much progress has been made in the last two decades, alcohol-related crashes are still too common among young people. According got NHTSA statistics, in 2010, nationwide, 30 percent of 15- to 20-year-olds killed in automobile crashes had a blood alcohol content of .01 or higher; 25 percent had a BAC of .08 or higher. Compounding the problem, 71 percent of the young drivers who had been drinking and were killed in crashes were unrestrained."

Police will conduct the stings using individuals of less than 21 years old, who will attempt to buy alcoholic beverages from license holders in Dedham. 

The checks are meant to ensure establishments are complying with Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission and Dedham regulations. 

The checks will include on- and off-premises licensees, and will be conducted throughout the remainder of the year, police said.