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“The Commission takes its role in regulating the legal sale of alcoholic liquor in the state very seriously, and we weigh the facts and evidence carefully before revoking a liquor permit,” Farrell said. “In the face of numerous, serious violations committed in connection with Ronny Market of Bridgeport, we are taking this definitive step to cease operations at that premises.” “Allegations came to the Department’s attention by way of two police referrals from the Bridgeport Police Department, one for an incident of May 18, 2007, and the second for the incident of July 5, 2007,” Farrell said. “Our Liquor Control Division conducted a special investigation in conjunction with the Bridgeport Police Department on October 27, 2007.” Based upon the testimony and documents, the Commission issued the following findings of fact: On May 18, 2007, the Bridgeport Police Department conducted a surveillance of the permit premises in response to complaints of illegal liquor sales from this store. An individual purchased a 200 ml. bottle of E&J Brandy at this premises. Bridgeport police officers located seventeen bottles of Hennessy cognac in a hidden compartment in the floor of the rear storage room of this premises. A clerk at this grocery store premises, was arrested on the premises for sale of liquor without a permit in violation of Sec. 30-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes. On July 5, 2007, Bridgeport police officers observed a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction take place just inside the permit premises. Kelvin Paralta, manager of Ronny Market, was arrested on the premises and charged with violating Sec. 21a-267b, possession of drug paraphernalia, Sec. 21a-277c possession of drug paraphernalia in a drug factory, 30-91(d) hours and days of closing, Sec. 30-6-B55(a) restriction of sales, Sec. 30-20(b) failure to post prices, Sec. 30-86, age statement forms, and Sec. 30-54, permit not hung in plain view. At approximately 9:30 p.m., after legal sale hours, the beer coolers were not locked. No age statement forms were available on the permit premises. The liquor permit was not hung in plan view but rather was located in a box on the floor. Beer prices were not posted anywhere on this premises. On October 27, 2007, three employees of Ronny Market were arrested on the premises. Efrain Reyes was charged with violating Conn. Gen. Statutes Sec. 29-35, carrying a pistol without a permit; Sec. 21a-279c, possession of marijuana; Sec. 21a-277b, possession of marijuana with intent to sell; and Sec. 21a-267a, possession of drug paraphernalia. Kelvin Peralta was charged with violating Sec. 21a-279c, possession of marijuana, and Sec. 21a-277b, possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Miguel Angel Rodriguez was charged with violating Sec. 21a-279c, possession of marijuana, and Sec. 21a-277b, possession of marijuana with intent to sell. A shot dispenser with two empty liquor bottles and a partially full bottle of alcohol attached were found on the permit premises. Two open, partially consumed bottles of beer were found on the front countertop inside the permit premises. Two empty bottles of alcohol and one partially full bottle of alcohol were found on the permit premises. No age statement forms were available on the permit premises. At approximately 12:19 a.m., after legal sale hours, the beer coolers were not locked. The Liquor Control Act grants the Liquor Control Commission liberal discretionary power to determine factual matters with regard to liquor permits and to suspend or revoke the permit after a hearing. By the store’s actions in disregarding our laws concerning sales of alcohol, the Commission determined that stern enforcement action was warranted in this matter. The Commission ordered the grocery beer liquor permit revoked immediately. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: Alcohol compliance checks in Branford identify three stores that sold alcohol to minors - Aug 26, 2008 - 11:57:36 AM Three Manchester businesses cited for unlawful alcohol sales to minors - Aug 4, 2008 - 2:35:34 PM Voluntown store sold alcohol to minor during routine compliance check - Jul 29, 2008 - 10:00:25 AM Alcohol compliance checks in Old Lyme identify two businesses that sold alcohol to minors - Jul 21, 2008 - 2:08:03 PM Anheuser-Busch to discontinue stimulant-laced alcoholic drinks - Jun 26, 2008 - 3:38:48 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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