CHENANGO COUNTY – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced a statewide effort to crack down on underage drinking throughout next month, and according to New York State Police Chenango County businesses haven’t had a violation since July of last year.

“I am proud of the work our state agencies and law enforcement officials have done to protect New York's youth from the dangers of underage drinking,” said Cuomo. “These continued statewide enforcement sweeps add to our success in keeping our roadways safe, protecting our youth and holding those who enable underage drinking responsible.”

The enforcement sweeps build upon the successful Operation Prevent campaign, an ongoing initiative conducted throughout the year to deter underage drinking and prevent the use of fake identification.

New York State Troop C Police Public Information Office Aga Dembinska said law enforcement usually tests businesses in the area once a month, and after the governor’s push for a crackdown in October, police will partner with other government agencies.