Three Freeborn County businesses sold alcoholic beverages to adult buyers under the age of 21 during recent Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office compliance checks.

According to a news release, the Sheriff’s Office conducted checks on 17 businesses in August and September.

The following three establishments failed the compliance check: The American Legion Bar in Alden, The Office Bar in Glenville, and the Gopher Stop in Clarks Grove.

The unannounced checks are completed on establishments that sell or vend alcoholic beverages. To ensure those businesses are not selling or otherwise providing alcohol to people who are not old enough to buy or possess it, compliance checks are performed.

A failure occurs when alcohol is sold or served to the underage buyer.

Underage buyers working for the Sheriff’s Office are required to carry a photo ID, usually their driver’s license, and are instructed to show that ID if asked for by the clerk or bartender. The clerk or bartender then has to deny or agree to the sale of the alcoholic beverage.

Selling or providing alcohol to a person under 21 is a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota.

Businesses that fail the compliance checks are also subect to a civil penalty, including a fine or business closure, or both.

Penalties are determined by the entity that issues the liquor license.

In this case, the cities of Alden, Clarks Grove and Glenville will determine the civic penalty.