ALBANY - The New York State Liquor Authority on July 22 charged 41 licensed convenience stores with selling alcohol to minors.

In its largest underage sting, NYSLA investigators - working with underage volunteer decoys - targeted 124 establishments in Western New York. The decoys were able to purchase alcohol at 41 licensed premises in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester, the largest single underage operation ever conducted by the authority.

At several locations, no proof of ID was requested. At other locations, the decoys were asked to provide their birth dates or to provide ID. In all instances, decoys provided their actual birth dates, indicating they are under 21. Notably, 83 convenience store clerks and licensees refused to sell to the decoys.

"The state Liquor Authority is committed to cracking down on underage sales," Chairman Dennis Rosen said. "These details will continue, and licensees must understand when they sell to minors, they are putting their license and livelihood in jeopardy."

Licensees charged with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with fines starting at $2,500 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders also face possible suspension or revocation of their licenses. In addition, employees or licensees who sell to minors can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor. The underage detail was conducted June 16-17.

The 41 businesses charged with sales to minors are:

Buffalo: B-Brite Market, 905 Clinton St.; Superior Food King, 1084 Clinton St.; Clinton Express, 1270 Clinton St.; City Line 1 Grocery, Inc., 860 Walden Ave.; Walden Mini Mart, 243 Walden Ave.: Super Market Express Mart Inc., 143 Walden Ave.; Almin Liquors, 1361 Sycamore St.; Myheeb's Deli, 2289 Fillmore Ave.; Zip's Food & Beverage Shoppe, 896 Niagara St.; City Candy Grovery, 544 Fargo Ave.; and Island Mini Mart, 232 W. Ferry Street.

Also, Boo & Bee (dba), 591 Fargo Ave.; Swan Food Market, 357 Swan St.; Bailey Mini Market, 1245 Bailey Ave.; Baria Deli, 160 Doat St.; The Island Food Mart, 1635 Genesee St.; Corner Store, 1733 Genesee St.; Speedy Market, 1799 Genesee St.; Bailey Market, 2997 Bailey Ave., Unit No. 3; Schreck Grocery, 2594 Bailey Ave.; Walden Convenient Store, 599 Walden Ave.; M & N Mini Mart, 2360 Bailey Ave.; Community Food & Meat Market, 533 Walden Ave.; Holly Farm Market II, 281 E. Delavan Ave.; Broadway Market, 1069 Broadway; Buffalo Mini Mart, 1291 Broadway; Od's Food Mart, 882 Northland Ave.; Black Rock Food Center, 442 Amherst Street.

Niagara Falls: Bridgeway Market, 1104 Niagara St.; BG Citgo Mart, 700 Main St.; Ashiq & Shabbir Ghug, Inc., 1911 Ferry St.; Merry Mart, 336 19th St.; Mario's Novelty, 2304 Pine Avenue; Stop One Food Mart, 1055 Cleveland Avenue; Karan & Anna, LLC, 2221 Hyde Park Boulevard; Walgreens, 1202 Pine Avenue; Wilson Farms (No. 354), 2824 Pine Ave.; Sunoco A-Plus, 8505 Niagara Falls Blvd.; Rodeway Inn, 492 Main St.

Rochester: Northwest Mini Mart (dba), 2042 Dewey Ave.; Everyday Convenience, Inc., 1416 Culver Road.

The New York State Liquor Authority regulates and controls the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages in the state. It works with local law enforcement agencies and localities across the state to ensure compliance with the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. In addition, it issues and renews licenses and permits to manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers of alcoholic beverages.