'Unstung Heroes' uphold the law - Those who refused to sell alcohol to minors in sting are lauded, while less-vigilant are charged

CLIFTON PARK -- Vigilance is what counts when it comes to making sure minors don't get away with buying alcohol, according to store owners and employees.

In early November, the State Police conducted a sting operation at 34 stores in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park, Halfmoon and Waterford to see if the businesses would sell alcohol to minors. While 28 stores declined to do so, six did.

Exit 9 Wine and Liquor at the Crossing Plaza in Clifton Park was one of the stores where employees refused to make the sale. They were among the 28 stores labeled "Unstung Heroes."

"We do a lot of checking," said Mark O'Callaghan, owner of Exit 9 Wine and Liquor.

All 27 employees must watch a 20-minute training video warning of the pitfalls of selling to those under the age of 21. O'Callaghan said some customers might not like to be asked for ID, but it pays off in the long run for the store.

Alan Dumouchel refused to sell. He was working Nov. 3 at Wever Petroleum/Mobile Mart at 83 Broad St., Waterford, when the sting was carried out. "I'm the guy that got stung," Dumouchel said. "She tried to buy alcohol. She didn't have ID. I wasn't going to sell her any," Dumouchel said recalling the events.

O'Callaghan and Dumouchel received certificates from Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III, the State Police, The Prevention Council and the Shenendehowa Community Coalition for refusing to sell alcohol during the sting.

At the six stores where sales took place, the clerks were charged with unlawfully dealing with a child. Murphy said the clerks will have to go through mandatory training about not selling alcohol to minors. The charges, he said, would most likely be adjourned in contemplation of dismissal after the training was completed.

Now, the Prevention Council and the Shenendehowa Community Coalition are expanding the TIPS -- Training for Intervention Procedures -- program conducted in the Saratoga Springs area to southern Saratoga County. Stores staff will be trained to ensure they don't sell alcohol to minors and to the intoxicated.

Officer Jeremy Connors of the Waterford Police; Officer Dave DeCelle of the Mechanicville Police; Maggie Fronk of Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County; Barbara Hubbell, a Waterford business owner; Jacqueline Merritt of Stewart's Corp.; and Meagan Nestleroad, of CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, were trained as TIPS instructors. They will conduct the training in the southern part of the county.