A sting by the Washington State Liquor Control Board and Issaquah Police lead to nine citations to businesses serving minors alcohol last week.

Three teams paid a visit to almost every liquor-serving business in the city April 7.

“Our whole goal is to do whatever we can do to reduce the access to alcohol by minors,” said Issaquah Deputy Chief Steve Cozart.

Issaquah police try to get the board to come out in the early spring, just before spring break, prom and graduation – all notorious times for minors drinking.

“This is the season there tends to be more problems,” Cozart said.

The investigations are lead by the board, which has adult minors, typically ages 18-19, buy alcohol at various restaurants, bars and storefronts.

The board tries to make sure the minors look young, Cozart said. “They want it to be obvious to the businesses.”

Most of the violators were found along Gilman Boulevard and Front Street, but there was one violation in the Highlands.

The stings proverbially tighten the belts of businesses serving alcohol.

“The word gets out among the retailers, because they all talk,” Cozart said. “It keeps everyone on their toes.”