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RETAILER RESOURCES

Everyone plays a role in keeping our communities healthy.

The Law

Selling Alcohol to Minors

It’s illegal for anyone, including store owners or their employees, to sell or give alcohol to anyone under 21.

 

This includes sales in person or online and applies even if the minor uses a fake ID.

Penalties
  • Up to 1 year in jail

  • A fine of up to $1,000

  • Or both

  • This is considered an unclassified misdemeanor unless done by someone other than a permittee, which could result in harsher penalties.

Delivering Alcohol to Minors

The law also makes it illegal for anyone to give or deliver alcohol to a minor, with some exceptions.

Penalties
  • Up to 18 months in prison 

  • A fine of up to $1,500 

  • Or both

  • It is also classified as an unclassified felony. This can lead to situations where a package store employee might face felony charges for actions that would only result in a misdemeanor charge for the store's permit holder.​

Underage Drinking on Your Property

The Social Host Law makes it illegal to let minors drink alcohol or use cannabis in your home or on your property. You are responsible even if you didn't provide it, didn't know it was being served and you weren't present.​
 

  • Anyone who owns, rents, or controls property (indoor or outdoor) where a party or gathering is held is seen as a “host” under Connecticut’s Social Host law. 

  • There is no minimum age. Young people may also be charged as hosts, such as in the case of teenagers who throw a party while their parents are out of town.

Penalties

This is a Class A misdemeanor. If it’s your first offense, you could face:

  • A fine of up to $2,000

  • Up to 1 year in jail

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You might also face additional charges depending on the situation. For example:

  • If you provided alcohol to minors, you could be charged with a Class E felony, which carries:

    • A fine of up to $3,500

    • Up to 18 months in jail
       

You can also be held legally responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damage caused by underage drinking on your property​

Resources to Help You Stay Compliant

Waitress
Get TIPS Trained 
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TIPS programs are designed for every industry that serves or sells alcohol. It is a skills-based training program designed to prevent intoxication, drunk driving and underage drinking by enhancing the fundamental "people skills" of servers, sellers and consumers of alcohol.

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Trainings offered for on-premises (bars/restaurants) and off-premises (stores). Visit the TIPS site for information on all available trainings.

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Online TIPS training is available in English and Spanish. 

WeCard

Ensure your establishment has the appropriate signage and that you're knowledgeable about all of the federal and state requirements for alcohol and tobacco sales.

 

 The WeCard website has a variety of helpful resources for retailers.

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Protect Yourself & Our Teens

Youth surveys in Connecticut show parents and other adults are the main source of alcohol for teens who are drinking. Underage drinking in harmful for the developing teen brain and allowing it is very risky for adults. Don't risk legal repercussions.  

 

  • Store your liquor a securely locked cabinet, and keep the key somewhere hidden or inaccessible.

  • Have clear rules and consequences for underage drinking and cannabis use.

  • Don’t serve to minors.

  • If your teen has friends over, check in frequently. 

  • Have open and honest conversations about alcohol and substance use, early and often. 

You Can Learn How to Save a Life!

Suicide Prevention

Have you ever had a patron that seems exceptionally sad or distraught? Do you know how to respond if you think someone is experiencing a crisis?

 

We can offer FREE  90 minute Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training for you and your staff.

 

As a QPR-trained Gatekeeper you will learn to:

  • Recognize the warning signs of suicide

  • Know how to offer hope

  • Know how to get help and save a life

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Overdose Response

An overdose can happen anywhere. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to use Narcan can save a life.

 

We can offer FREE  1 hour Narcan training for you and your staff.

 

You will learn to recognize the signs of an overdose and how to respond. Trainees ages 18+ will receive a FREE Narcan kit. 

General Resources

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Medication

Mixing alcohol with medications can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of medications and exacerbate their side effects.

 

Common Risks:

  • Increased drowsiness and dizziness

  • Impaired motor skills

  • Risk of overdose due to suppressed breathing
     

Visit this website to Learn more and find out which over-the-counter and prescription medications have serious interactions with alcohol.

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