During a recent alcohol compliance sting fewer businesses were cited than ever before, suggesting Carson City servers are getting the message, officials said.
"This was a good compliance check," said Carson City Sheriff's Sgt. Bob White. "People are more aware as is evident by the numbers."
Two 20-year-old decoys visited 56 alcohol-serving establishments Wednesday night. They were denied sales by 49 businesses, with seven citations issued for serving alcohol to a minor.
White said of the seven people cited, six asked for identification and looked at the decoys' under-21 driver's licenses.
"If the driver's license is vertical, which means up and down, then they are under 21. Don't sell them alcohol," he said. "It is clearly printed above the driver's license header in yellow the date when they turn 21."
The seven businesses where the decoys bought alcohol were: AM PM Mini Mart at 1017 N. Carson St.; Lamplighter Lounge at 260 West Winnie Lane; Silver Dollar Casino on Highway 50 East; Carson Station Casino, 900 S. Carson St.; Shell Gas at 1462 S. Carson St.; Round Table Pizza at 3815 S. Carson St.; and AM PM Mini Mart at 4340 N. Carson St.
In June, the Sheriff's Department began a series of alcohol-compliance checks in which they visited random establishments to see if underage decoys would be served alcohol.
The last check in March resulted in 19 citations issued, with 40 businesses visited.
About 300 business owners and employees attended an alcohol-compliance training seminar March 25 sponsored by the Carson City Sheriff's Department.
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.