Iowa City police conducted alcohol-compliance checks on Oct. 31 for 31 businesses. The establishments were asked to sell alcohol to underage buyers, and 26 of the businesses passed the test.  Five businesses failed the compliance checks.

Underage patrons, working with plainclothes officers, entered the businesses and asked to buy alcohol illegally. 

The five business to fail the test are:

• Suburban BP, 1905 Keokuk St.

Selling alcohol to persons under age 21 years of age is a simple misdemeanor, punishable with a $500 fine for the first offense. Also, all violations will be forwarded to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for possible civil penalties against the liquor licensees.

— by Lauren Coffey