Portland police have cited eight city businesses for allegedly selling alcohol to minors.

Cmdr. Gary Rogers said the businesses will be required to pay an administrative fine — an amount Rogers said would be determined by the Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages.

David Heidrich, a spokesman for the bureau, said each business could face a fine up to $1,800 — provided it is their first offense. However, Heidrich said the state has been levying fines of $550 for first-time offenders in hopes of encouraging better employee training and compliance.

Repeat offenders could have their liquor license suspended and could face much higher fines if the violations are not addressed, Heidrich said.

Police used several college students under the age of 21, who tried to buy alcohol at 56 establishments Saturday. Those establishments included bars, convenience stores and restaurants throughout the city. The businesses were selected at random. Only eight establishments failed to ask the students for proper identification, according to Portland police.

Cited for sale of alcohol to a minor were:

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• Hannaford supermarket, 295 Forest Ave.

• Mobil gas station, 518 Forest Ave.

• Walgreens pharmacy, 127 Marginal Way

• The Crow Bar, 189 Congress St.

• Congress Street Bar and Grill, 617 Congress St.

• Local 188, 685 Congress St.

• Frosty Pint, 965 Forest Ave.

• Ruski’s, 212 Danforth St.


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