SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Springfield police are warning bartenders and store clerks, they’re watching.

They say compliance checks are coming to businesses throughout the city.

The Springfield Police Department does this every year, according to representative, Ryan Walsh.

“This is our warning. So you won’t know when we’re coming,” Walsh explained.

We’re told the checks could happen at any time throughout the year.

“It may be as soon as next week. It could be over the summer. It could be a couple times throughout the year. Not every business gets checked every year, but they do several throughout the year,” he told us.

During the compliance checks, cadets under the age of 21 will attempt to purchase alcohol at different businesses or liquor stores, with detectives close by.

“So it’s something just to ensure that these businesses, it’s usually not the owners. It’s usually an employee that doesn’t know what they’re doing. So to make sure that they’re checking all IDs and making sure they know what to look for,” Walsh noted.

He explained to Western Mass News that the goal is not to get anyone in trouble, but to keep the city safe.

“It’s not worth it. If this kid gets alcohol from your business, you could end up being liable. So if something bad happens, if a restaurant or business is found to not be checking IDs and serving alcohol to minors, they could potentially have their license suspended and, depending on their history, revoked,” Walsh said, “So if you follow the law, you’re in good shape. If you don’t, you could get in trouble.”

The Department’s message: If you work at a restaurant or liquor store, make sure you’re checking everyone’s ID.

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