Underage Drinking Probe Leads To 2 Bartender Arrests In Poughkeepsie: PD

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — Two bartenders at a local business have been arrested following complaints about alcohol being served to underage patrons, according to police.

The arrests follow an investigation prompted by “numerous community complaints” about underage alcohol sales at The Derby, a bar and restaurant at 96 Main St., according to Det. Lt. Sean McCarthy.

“During the investigation, it was determined that approximately 20% of the patrons inside the establishment were underage,” police said, in an announcement Monday.

Police did not release the names of the two bartenders. Both were charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child, which is a misdemeanor, according to police.

Poughkeepsie police partnered with the New York State Liquor Authority and City of Poughkeepsie Fire and Building Departments for their probe, according to McCarthy.

The fire and building departments identified multiple code violations at the business, which they deemed unsafe and ordered closed until issues are addressed, officials said.

The business posted on its Facebook page Monday apologizing to patrons for the inconvenience and thanking people for their support. According to the post, it anticipated all issues would be resolved and it would reopen for business as of 11 a.m. on April 21. On Tuesday afternoon, staff indicated via telephone it is back open for business.

The New York State Liquor Authority’s portion of the investigation remains ongoing.