Four store clerks and a restaurant employee were charged with selling alcohol to a minor in Gouverneur, Hermon and Edwards Friday following a police sting operation.

Police said one-third of the 15 establishments checked sold alcohol to an 18-year-old operative when the volunteer attempted to buy alcohol.

Seven bars and three retail establishments properly refused the minor, police said.

State police and Gouverneur village police teamed up for the operation.

Charged with selling alcohol to a minor were:

• Max Tyler, 20, Syracuse, at Mullin's Restaurant, Rte 11 in Gouverneur.

• Alana Ashley, 21, Hermon, at Woody's on the Russell Road in Hermon.

• Cindy McCullum, 52, Edwards, at Baker's Convienient Store, Rte 58 in Edwards.

• Nancy Turnbull, 53, Antwerp, at Stewarts, Rte 11 in Gouverneur.

• Sue Youngs, 27, Gouverneur, at Sugarcreek, Rte 11 in Gouverneur.

All were processed and released on appearance tickets for later arraignments on the misdemeanor charges, police said.

Police said they plan to continue the undercover operations in efforts to stop the illegal sale of alcohol to minors. The operatives use valid licenses for identification, which indicate their actual age and the fact that they are under 21. They are also advised to not misrepresent themselves and are monitored throughout the operation.