Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS -- The Conyers Police Department issued 30 citations at area restaurants and retailers in a Jan. 25 underage alcohol investigation.

According to the city, Conyers Police worked in conjunction with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Department of Revenue to visit 42 restaurants, retail stores and convenience stores with the aid of two underage subjects. The underage individuals were served or sold alcohol at 10 locations within the city limits.

"It's important to note that of those establishments that served to a minor, none of the servers have participated in the city's new Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service workshops," said Police Chief Gene Wilson. "I hope the management of more of our restaurants and retail stores will encourage their employees to participate in the classes in order to better educate and inform employees about safe and legal service to minors."

The CPD conducts RASS workshops on a quarterly basis.

The restaurants and establishments where individuals were cited in last week's operation include:

-- Atlanta Pizza, 1565 Highway 138 SE,

-- Chevron, 993 Sigman Road NW,

-- Dynasty Chinese Restaurant, 1823 Highway 138,

-- Chevron, 1135 Sigman Road,

-- Frontera Mex-Mex Grill, 1820 Highway 20,

-- O'Charley's, 1289 Dogwood Drive, SW,

-- Shell, 1202 West Avenue,

-- Sigman Bottle Shop, 439 Sigman Road NW,

-- Silver Dragon, 1889 Highway 20 SE, and

-- Sonny's Barbecue, 1870 Highway 20 SE.

Individuals cited by the Police Department will have a hearing in Municipal Court where they may be fined by the Municipal Court judge.

"I want to commend the 32 compliant restaurants and establishments that properly identified the minors that participated in our operation and thank them for working cooperatively with police to safely serve patrons," said Wilson.

The city recently updated its alcohol ordinance, which now requires more training for those serving alcohol, tightens licensing requirements, and prohibits those serving alcohol from drinking it at the same time.

Officers routinely make compliance checks at area retail and dining establishments, according to the CPD. Questions or complaints should be directed to the Conyers Police Department at 770-483-6600.