The owners of two Baldwin businesses accused of selling alcohol to minors will appear before the Baldwin City Council on Friday.
Authorities cited Alto Mountain Grocery and Los Cerritos Mexican Restaurant for underage sales on April 23 following an investigation by the Georgia Department of Revenue. According to a news release from the city of Baldwin, the investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip.
Baldwin police are still investigating the allegations, the release states.
Police temporarily closed the Alto Mountain Grocery BP gas station and convenience store at 3834 Highway 365, pending the outcome of that investigation. Los Cerritos, located at 346 U.S. Highway 441, will remain open but is prohibited from selling alcohol while the investigation continues.
Probe prompted by anonymous tip
Baldwin Public Information Officer John Dills says after receiving the tip, the city contacted the Department of Revenue (DOR) for assistance. The state agency, which oversees alcohol and tobacco sales in the state, contacted 20 Habersham County businesses. As a result, DOR investigators and Baldwin police issued citations to the two Baldwin businesses.
Police withdrew Los Cerritos’ alcohol license. Restaurant manager Jose Ibarra said he spoke with officers on Tuesday.
“The restaurant is still open, and everything will be business as usual,” Ibarra said. “We will not be able to serve alcohol.”
Ibarra says officials informed him he would have to put up a sign outside the restaurant stating that alcohol will not be sold at this location. Police officers visited both businesses on Tuesday, informing them of the April 26th hearing.
“It is one of our sworn duties to investigate citizen complaints when they are received,” says Baldwin Police Chief Chris Jones.
He added, “Our goal is to protect our minors and keep the roadways safe in today’s uncertain times.”
