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The Authority suspended the license for Darby O’Gills at 3969 Albany Post Road (Route 9) on Wednesday, Dec. 5 after an undercover compliance inspections operation found a high number of underage drinkers.
The inspection took place on Friday, Nov. 30 when investigators from the Authority and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles conducted a compliance inspection at the premises. Undercover investigators entered the premises and observed vans dropping off students from nearby Marist College beginning around 10 p.m., the Authority said.
Approximately an hour later, with the bar packed to capacity with young-looking patrons, the Authority and DMV, with the assistance of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, secured the premises and began checking IDs.
The investigation found that nearly 90 percent of the 200 patrons were under the age of 21. SLA investigators observed 26 direct sales to minors, in addition to obtaining 46 additional sworn statements from minors who admitted to consuming alcohol.
In addition, DMV investigators issued 115 tickets to minors for possessing a fake ID and the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office arrested three bartenders for unlawfully dealing with a child and selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21, the Authority said.
“It defies understanding that this licensee has displayed an unconscionable indifference to the law by placing his personal profits above the safety of our youth,” said Counsel to the Authority Christopher R. Riano. “I want to thank our partners at the DMV and the Dutchess County Sherriff’s Office, and commend the Members of the Authority for sending a clear message today that bar owners who knowingly serve alcohol to minors will be immediately shut down.”
On Tuesday, the Authority charged Darby O’Gill’s with 77 violations of the ABC Law, including 72 counts for selling to a minor, failure to supervise, serving in an unlicensed outside area and failure to maintain accurate books and records.
“Traffic safety is always DMV’s first priority," said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner. "This is one of the largest seizures to have occurred during a single compliance check since DMV started this program.”
During the suspension period, the Authority intends to seek the permanent cancelation or revocation of the license.
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