---

ATTLEBORO - Facing the possibility cuts in state aid, area liquor store owners have raised $10,000 to fund a program designed to help combat underaged drinking by placing undercover cops inside and outside liquor stores in a joint effort.

Police from Attleboro, North Attleboro, Norton and Mansfield and liquor store owners Chris Gasbarro and David Cummings announced the program called "Cops in Shops" Friday at the North Attleboro police station.

"People aren't going to know when or where or in what liquor establishment we will be in," Attleboro Police Chief Richard Pierce Sr. said at a news conference.

There are 40 to 50 liquor stores in the four communities, and all have indicated a willingness to take part in the program, Pierce said.

Undercover police will either pose as customers or employees to nab underage youths attempting to buy booze or adults willing to buy for them. Undercover officers will also be working surveillance outside stores. "We're all aware of the recent tragedies that have occurred in our area," Pierce said, adding that police are preparing to combat underage drinking parties by college students returning home for the holidays to prevent more tragedies.

With undercover police inside or outside the stores, violators will be able to apprehended at the scene, said Gasbarro, owner of Fine Wine and Spirits in Seekonk and Capadanos in North Attleboro.

"This prevents what we call store hopping," Gasbarro added, saying it was common for underage people to go from store to store when they are turned away or can't get an adult to buy booze for them.

"Nobody wants to serve to a minor," said Cummings of Yankee Spirits in Attleboro.

Pierce said the program is not new and has been effective in the past with state aid. But because continued state funding for the program and other liquor enforcement efforts is uncertain because of the state budget crisis, police and liquor retailers have collaborated to raise funds through donations.

"We've decided to think a little outside the box," Pierce said, praising the efforts of liquor store owners to raise money and join forces with police in fighting underage drinking.

Norton Police Chief Brian Clark said underage drinking is a problem for all communities and one that requires a unified effort because it doesn't stop at city or town lines.

The operation has the support of the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office and The Century Council, a national non-profit organization dedicated to reducing drunken driving and underage drinking problems.

Anyone under 21 who attempts to purchase alcohol faces a maximum $300 fine and the suspension of their driver's licenses for 180 days. Adults who purchase or furnish booze for underage youths face up to a $2,000 fine, a 1-year jail term or both.

"The message we want to publicize is that we're not going to tolerate underage drinking," Pierce said. Last year, police throughout the area stepped up alcohol enforcement after 17-year-old King Phillip High School senior Taylor Meyer of Plainville died after an underage drinking party in woods in Norfolk following a homecoming football game.