Austintown targets, cites businesses selling alcohol illegally

AUSTINTOWN — Township authorities want liquor establishments in Austintown to know they’re being watched.

Compliance checks on businesses with liquor licenses aren’t new to the police department, but Sgt. Jordan Yacovone said officers have gone on an enforcement binge in the last 12 months.

“Recently we’ve really been out there actively enforcing [compliance,] he said.

Yacovone said since January 2009 the department has cited at least a dozen bars, restaurants or drive-through liquor stores.

He said most of the time the citation was issued for selling to a person under 21.

Most recently, on Jan. 6, The Babylon, on Javit Court, The Go Go Cabaret on Clarkins Drive and Buffalo Wild Wings on Mahoning Avenue, were found serving alcohol to an underage informant.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said the department will send in an underage person who is working with the department to see if they can get served inside the establishment.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.