ABC investigators made their inspections in the evening on May 3 at the 40/40 Club and Crown Liquors, two businesses licensed by the Division. They first observed a crowd of youthful patrons lined-up outside the 40/40 Club. Shortly thereafter, they entered the club and identified Alison Silverman, of Mountain Lakes, consuming a drink. Their investigation revealed that she had only recently turned 20. She was carded at the door and displayed a poor quality, fake Florida driver's license. She was issued a summons for consuming alcohol underage.

Earlier that night, detectives were at Crown Liquors when they observed a youthful male purchasing beer. The investigation revealed Johnny Ramirez to be 20 years old and he was not carded by the clerk, Hemant Patel. Ramirez, of Atlantic City, was charged with purchasing alcohol underage. Patel, of Ventnor, was issued a summons for selling alcohol to an underage person.

The charge of selling alcohol to underage patrons is a disorderly persons offense which carries penalties including a fine of at least $500. Underage drinking is also a disorderly persons offense, carrying a potential fine of at least $500 and a six-month driver’s license suspension.

The liquor licenses of establishments involved in last week’s enforcement efforts will be reviewed by ABC for possible administrative charges. Those charges could result in the suspension of the bar’s alcoholic beverage license.

Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Michael Halfacre said the ABC conducts undercover enforcement operations throughout New Jersey and its detectives have full police powers. The Division is the only statewide agency that exclusively enforces the Alcoholic Beverage Control laws.