Five Liquor Stores Cited for Selling to Minors, None in Columbia

Five Howard County liquor stores were cited recently for selling alcohol to minors, although none were in Columbia.

The five liquor stores that were cited include:

• St. John's Liquors in Ellicott City
• Glenwood Wine and Spirits in Glenwood
• Village Liquors in Clarksville
• Vinoland Liquors in Elkridge
• Lark Brown Liquors in Elkridge

Each store faces fines up to $2,000 and temporary license suspensions, according to Howard County police.

Police said a 19-year-old police cadet entered the businesses and purchased alcohol without showing an ID or proof of age.

Five other businesses successfully made it through the sting and were sent letter of appreciation, according to police:

• Absolutely Wine and Spirits in Columbia
• Woodbine Wine and Spirits in Woodbine
• Vintage Cellars in Clarksville
• Montpelier Liquors in Laurel
• Troy Farms Liquors in Elkridge

“We take the issue of underage drinking seriously in Howard County,” said Police Chief William McMahon, in a statement. “Our officers have seen first-hand the dangers of kids and alcohol, from drunk driving, to risky behaviors, to using poor judgment. In our investigations, we often learn that car crashes, increased drug use and some sexual assaults involved underage drinking before the incident occurred.”