West Virginia ABCA, Partners Target Underage Drinking

State and local authorities are stepping up store compliance checks and taking other measures to combat underage drinking.

The crackdown also includes increasing the number of sobriety checkpoints across the state. It’s being conducted by the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, state and local law enforcement agencies and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

ABCA spokesman Gig Robinson tells the Charleston Daily Mail that retailers who sell alcohol to underage customers could face criminal charges.

Traditionally, the state has punished violators through civil or administrative sanctions.

The effort also will include an awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks of underage drinking.