HENDERSON, Nev. - Seven people are facing tough penalties after a Henderson police sting busted them for selling alcohol to underage drinkers.
"That's just a bad idea, bad idea in general - underage kids," Henderson resident Katelyn Baldwin said. "That's horrible."
Henderson Police had minors walk into businesses Saturday night and ask for adult beverages.
"We went to 48 bars and restaurants and, luckily, 41 of the bars and restaurants refused to serve our underage volunteer," Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul said.
Seven businesses, including the Henderson Police Department's neighbor the Rainbow Club and Casino, were apparently willing to let the drinks flow. Officers waiting outside moved in and ticketed the employee who didn't ask for identification.
"It wouldn't be until the second or third violation that the store manager or owner could become involved, and they could risk losing their business license and/or their liquor license," Paul said.
A worker at Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino was also cited for serving someone who's too young to drink.
Other failing businesses include Dotty's Casino on Boulder Highway near Warm Springs Road, the Klondike Casino on West Sunset Road, Sierra Gold on Warm Springs near Stephanie Street, Barley's Casino on Sunset near Green Valley Parkway and the Beach House Bar on Eastern Avenue near Coronado Center Drive.
The volunteers also approached 68 random people and asked for booze. Only four agreed to buy it, and they were warned about the laws.
"If they can catch the people doing it, it's a great idea," Baldwin said.
Henderson Police say all seven businesses were first-time offenders. The maximum penalty for the employee is six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Police promise more alcohol compliance checks in the coming months.
