Two Durham businesses that sell alcohol failed to pass an alcohol compliance check on Thursday, but it’s likely that the accused workers won’t see inside the courtroom.

The Durham Police Department and New Hampshire Liquor Commission Law Enforcement Division tested the compliance of 18 businesses licensed to sell alcohol by sending volunteers trained by the Liquor Commission to each location. Volunteers tried to buy alcohol at each location, but were unsuccessful at 16 locations.

The two businesses that failed were Hop and Grind on Mudbury Road and Hannaford Supermarket on Mill Road, said Durham Police Chief David Holmstock. This failure led to prohibition charges against Samantha Beck of Durham and Anthony Champo of Hudson, New Hampshire.

The purpose of a compliance check is not to “get” anyone, but to ensure that both the retailer and its employees are following the law, and that there are consequences for non-compliance. Holmstock added that it would be irresponsible for the police and the Liquor Commission not to check companies.

“It holds in their minds, ‘We need to make sure our people are paying attention.’ We have a large youth community under the age of 21. Yes, alcohol is a big problem,” Holmstock said.

According to Holmstock, Beck and Champo are due to be arraigned in Dover District Court on November 7, but their case is unlikely to get there.

“Our first goal is to educate when there is a violation,” said Holmstock. “If they don’t have a record, we offer a course instead of the courts. There is an educational course offered through the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, and if they complete that course, we will not be charged.” No,” said Holmstock.

But with so many people buying alcohol, it’s more likely to make a mistake, says Holmstock. One of his two indicted had passed his previous compliance check.

“Maybe they just got tired and made a mistake. This time it worked and they seemed really concerned when they were told this person was underage,” Holmstock said.

Holmstock said it was up to the Liquor Commission to address violations of retailers selling alcohol to minors.

To reporter Dan Alexander, Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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