LINN  —Sheriff Mike Bonham issued several citations for selling alcohol to minors during a recent Operation No Sale conducted at Freeburg, Westphalia, and Linn businesses.

“I’m disappointed that we had to cite five businesses but pleased that all but one in Linn passed,” said Bonham. “We are serious about restricting the sale of alcohol to those under 21 and have a zero-tolerance policy.”

This annual operation involves a plain-clothes deputy, two deputies to collect evidence and issue citations in the event of an illegal sale, and two deputies to serve as backups in case of emergency, along with the minor attempting to purchase alcohol. Capt. Travis Shaffer oversaw the operation.

If the cashier asks for identification and refuses to sell based on the age of the minor, no further action is taken.

In this operation, deputies cited Eagle Stop at Freeburg and Westphalia, though the Linn store passed.

T&L Zip Stop at Freeburg and Joe’s Market in Westphalia were cited, along with El Carnaval outside Linn.

Businesses that did not sell to minors were Dollar General in Westphalia, Thriftway, BJ’s Restaurant & Bar, Casey’s General Store, Break Time, Dollar General, Dave’s Pizza & Wings, and Casper’s 66, all of Linn.

“Our presence was not appreciated at some businesses,” said Shaffer. “Some unruly minors berated us for enforcing the law.”

In addition to citations at the aforementioned businesses, deputies made a DWI arrest following the operation involving a minor who left El Carnaval.

Deputies also broke up three parties at apartment complexes in Linn, put out a fire in a field near one of the parties, and recovered five stolen road signs.