4 bartenders accused of serving alcohol to teens

MERRIMACK – Four bartenders were cited this weekend for allegedly serving alcohol to teens working undercover for Merrimack police and New Hampshire Liquor Enforcement, according to a press statement.

The two agencies performed compliance checks on 10 bars and restaurants Friday night, said police Lt. Dan Edmonds. Police used a male and a female decoy, both 18, to enter establishments and order an alcoholic beverage.

The decoys provided their regular identifications but were still served, Edmonds said.

Summonsed to court for prohibited alcohol sales were: Candice Ferguson, 52 Glen Drive, Hudson, a bartender at Jade Dragon Restaurant on Daniel Webster Highway; Michelle Ballantine, 5 Carter Road, Merrimack, a bartender at the VFW on Daniel Webster Highway; Audra Arseneau, 110 Spaulding St., Milford, a bartender at Pizzico Restaurant on Continental Boulevard; and Christopher Hudon, 121 London Court, Merrimack, a bartender at Silver Maple Restaurant on Daniel Webster Highway.

Each person was released on his or her own recognizance with a summons to appear for arraignment April 15. The offense is punishable by up to a $2,000 fine or a year in the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections.

Each business was fined and faces possible loss of its liquor license, the statement said.

The compliance checks were funded by a grant from the state attorney general’s office.