source: MDJOnline.com - MARIETTA - City police cited 11 businesses for sales of alcoholic beverages to underage buyers during a crackdown on illegal alcohol sales last week.

Police made compliance checks Feb. 2 at 26 Marietta businesses with some help from underage buyers. The buyers did not provide fake identification, and if asked, did not lie about their age.

Buyers included children of Marietta police officers and teens from the department’s Police Explorer program. Underage buyers each were told to tell the truth and show their driver’s license if asked.

According to state law and Marietta city ordinance, it is the responsibility of the seller to check ID and refuse sale to underage buyers. Once buyers complete an illegal sale, the employee who sold the alcohol is cited for noncompliance and issued a “must-appear” citation. A judge determines how stiff a fine to levy, up to $400.

The first time a business is cited, it is flagged for monitoring. If the business is cited a second time within 12 months, it could lose its liquor license for 28 days. In that case, the Georgia Department of Revenue also levies a fine.

Police perform the checks at least once every three months, but more often if the department receives complaints. As of May, 235 liquor permits are active in Marietta.