During a recent alcohol compliance check at a local bar, 29 citations were issued for underage consumption.

According to a release from the Shepherdstown Police Department, officers and special agents from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Commission conducted alcohol compliance checks at the Yorkshire English Pub and Tony’s Pizza & Stonewall’s Underground Pub Thursday, Oct. 20.

According to SPD Chief David Ransom, the citations were issued at Tony’s to individuals not of age to drink.

“Just because they received a citation for underage consumption doesn’t mean they were drinking inside that establishment,” Ransom said, noting they could have consumed alcohol elsewhere.

According to Gig Robinson, spokesperson for the state ABC, while the organization’s agents were undercover in the establishment, they did not witness any minors drinking. He said Tony’s will not be penalized.

“Administratively there was no action we could take,” Robinson said.

Ransom said the state ABC frequently conducts unannounced compliance checks to curb underage consumption of alcohol and provide awareness about the dangers of underage consumption of alcohol.

He said since Tony’s shut down almost two years ago, they have “been very compliant.”

Robinson acknowledged approximately 50 percent of minors receive alcohol from a friend or family member, and not a licensed establishment.

– From staff reports