A joint effort by state agencies to crack down on underage drinking on college campuses and in college towns is beginning as the fall semester begins.

The state Liquor Authority and the state Department of Motor Vehicles, working with local law enforcement agencies, will conduct statewide sweeps of locations holding liquor licenses, including bars, restaurants, liquor stores and grocery stores, looking for fake IDs and illegal sales to minors.

“Underage drinking can lead to bad decisions that could have lifelong consequences, or worse, and this administration is committed to taking proactive measures to prevent young New Yorkers from purchasing and abusing alcohol,” Cuomo said. “These statewide enforcement sweeps will continue to be a part of our efforts to deter underage drinking and the avoidable tragedies that too often follow.”

The combined enforcement effort will begin immediately as college students return to campus for the fall semester. The enhanced enforcement sweeps build upon the governor’s successful safety initiatives to deter underage drinking and prevent the purchase and use of false identification documents, and supplement the state Liquor Authority and DMV’s regular underage enforcement efforts conducted throughout the year.

Persons under the age of 21 found to be using fake identification or false documents with the intent of purchasing alcohol can be arrested and have their license revoked for a minimum of 90 days or up to one year.

Additionally, businesses charged by the state Liquor Authority with underage sales face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, and repeat offenders also face potential suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses.