FOXBORO - The police department will continue its efforts to curb underage drinking in town, thanks to new funding from the state

Foxboro was awarded a $4,995 grant as part of the 2009 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant Program from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

The program provides overtime funds for enforcement of underage alcohol laws through activities such as compliance checks of all liquor serving establishments, including bars, restaurants and liquor stores; reverse stings; party patrols; surveillance patrols and "cops in shops."

Compliance checks of all liquor establishments will be conducted to ensure that they are checking for proper identification and not illegally selling alcohol to those under 21.

The state awarded 94 of the grants totaling over $600,000. "We are pleased to receive these funds to enhance our underage alcohol enforcement activities in Foxboro," Police Chief Edward O'Leary said. "Any loss on our roadways is one too many, and this program will help to reduce the instances of impaired driving by our community's underage population."

O'Leary said the department has arrested several youths for possession or transportation of alcohol since the start of the program, and one for purchasing alcohol with a false identification.