During a compliance check of Bellevue bars on Thursday, a minor working for the police and state Liquor Control Board was able to buy alcohol in just six out of 37 establishments.

When Liquor Control officers conducted a similar operation in late May, a minor was able to buy alcohol in 10 of 11 bars. Due to the number of establishments not properly checking identification, Liquor Control offered a free class to all servers shortly before the Aug. 18 check.

During the compliance checks last Thursday, only one establishment that served a minor during the May enforcement effort served a minor again.

The results of Thursday's sweep were a major improvement over what was seen in May. This is attributable to the compliance checks and the training offered by Liquor Control.

The establishments involved in serving the minors will face civil sanctions by the Liquor Control Board. The person who actually served the minor will face criminal proceedings for a gross misdemeanor charge of serving alcohol to a minor.

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