NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A bar in Newton could have its liquor license suspended after allegedly serving alcohol to more than a dozen people under the age of 21.
On Thursday at around 10:30 p.m., Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission investigators reportedly found 16 minors in possession of alcohol at Union Street Restaurant in Newton.
"The bar will be summoned for a hearing before the Commission; if found to have violated the law, the bar’s liquor license could be subject to suspension, modification or revocation," Mass. ABCC said.
The effort was part of the ABCC’s enforcement at college area bars and liquor stores to prevent underage drinking.
According to the ABCC, statistics show that every day three teens die from drinking and driving, and approximately six teens die every day of non-driving alcohol-related causes, such as homicide, suicide, and drowning. Annually, 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
Alcohol intoxication has also been reported to be involved in 47 percent of homicides and 23 percent of suicides involving people under 21. In Massachusetts alone, the overall cost of alcohol abuse by youth is estimated at $1.4 billion.
“Massachusetts bars and restaurants need to take their responsibilities seriously,” said State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. “We will continue to monitor and enforce the laws because we know this saves lives and prevents tragedies.”
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