13 Fond du Lac County businesses sold alcohol to minors during countywide compliance sweep

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office completed a countywide alcohol compliance check campaign on March 14, finding that nearly one-third of businesses checked failed to prevent an underage sale.
Over the course of roughly three months, deputies conducted compliance checks at 42 taverns and other alcohol vendors throughout Fond du Lac County. Of those 42 businesses, 13 did not pass. Ten failed to check identification altogether, while three checked identification but still sold alcohol to the underage individual.
The Sheriff’s Office partnered with Fond du Lac County United Way Drug Free Communities to carry out the campaign, with both organizations citing education and community safety as their top priorities.
Before checks began, all alcohol vendors received a notification letter advising them of the upcoming inspections. Representatives from United Way Drug Free Communities also presented an educational program at the January meeting of the Fond du Lac County Tavern League, where they discussed the use of ID scanners and reminded businesses that scanners are available free of charge through the Fond du Lac County United Way for interested establishments.
In November 2025, the Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with Fond du Lac County Public Health, presented an additional educational session at an alcohol and tobacco retailer training hosted at the Fond du Lac County Highway Department. That session covered compliance checks and common state laws and ordinances related to the sale of alcohol. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office also participated in a radio interview to inform the public that checks would be conducted.

During the compliance checks, the Sheriff’s Office used adults under the age of 21 who attempted to purchase alcohol at licensed establishments. Each underage participant was accompanied by an adult witness over the age of 21 to ensure the validity of each check.
Strict criteria were followed throughout the process. Underage participants carried valid, state-issued identification that clearly displays their birthdate and “Under 21 Until” date in bold letters. Wisconsin identification cards for those under 21 are printed vertically — as opposed to horizontally for those over 21 — and feature bold red and blue print reading “U21 - Wisconsin” across the top. Participants were instructed not to lie or be deceptive in any way, and were required to answer all questions honestly if asked their age. No fake identification was used. Male participants were required to shave any facial hair to maintain the appearance of a younger individual.
The Sheriff’s Office said underage alcohol consumption continues to be a contributing factor in injury and sometimes fatal crashes in Fond du Lac County each year, and that compliance checks remain an important tool in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and out of schools. The office said it remains committed to eliminating preventable injuries and death related to underage alcohol purchases and consumption.