FORSYTH COUNTY — Four of 12 businesses checked by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office during a recent sweep sold alcohol to someone younger than 21.

According to the sheriff’s office, Castleberry Ale House and Los Magueys, both on Bethelview Road, Branch Water on South Vickery Street and West Forsyth Fuel on Canton Highway (Hwy. 20) were cited.

In addition, one business had an employee selling alcohol without the proper server permit.

Those cited during the sweep earlier this month will be required to appear in Magistrate Court to answer to the charges.

If found guilty, the businesses and employees will also be subject to county ordinance penalties, which can lead to suspension or loss of their business licenses or sales permits.

As part of the checks, sheriff’s officials have said they will send in an underage person under the supervision of one or more undercover deputies to attempt to buy alcohol.

The “operatives” often are criminal justice students. When a citation is issued, the alcohol is returned to the store and a refund is provided.

The county requires all people involved in selling or serving alcohol to obtain a license through the sheriff’s office permits and ordinance unit, which is on the second floor at 475 Tribble Gap Road in Cumming.