By Lori EhdeTwenty-one Rock County businesses were secretly tested Friday for compliance with Minnesota’s underage drinking laws.Of those, seven businesses failed to comply and now face possible penalties for selling alcohol to someone younger than 21 years old.According to information from the Rock County Sheriff’s office, businesses who sold to minors include Casey’s on East Main Street, Citgo on North Highway 75, Luverne Lanes bowling alley, Magnolia Steak House, Sharkee’s, the Eagles Club, and the Hardwick Green Lantern.Two 20-year-old men from Yankton and Del Rapids, S.D., attempted purchases at all Rock County businesses with liquor licenses.The minors were volunteers from a regional anti-drug, alcohol and tobacco group."That’s what we do so there aren’t repercussions to a local kid," said Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels.He said Rock and Nobles County sheriff departments assist each other with regular compliance checks, which are required by state law.The last check in Rock County was August 2002, at which time only two businesses, Ampride Pump ’N Pak and the Beaver Creek Golf Course, sold to minors.Employees who failed to check identification could face criminal charges of selling to a minor, a gross misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of a $3,000 fine, a year in jail or both.This year’s non-compliant businesses may also face civil penalties as a result of the sting. Under Luverne City Code, the stores are subject to licensing penalties that can include imposition of civil fines and suspension or revocation of liquor licenses.In a 1999 compliance check, employees at both Citgo and Casey’s (this time on South Highway 75), sold to minors.
