From the
New York Daily News:
The city's bodegas and barbershops are secretly selling kids as young as 14 an illegal and potent mix of fruit punch and
alcohol, a Daily News investigation found.
"Nutcrackers," and a frozen version called the "Nemo," sell for $5 or $10 a cup - an easy buzz for teens who like the sweet taste and the cheap price.
A News reporter was able to buy the blend of punch and vodka, white rum or tequila at five shops in upper Manhattan and the Bronx last week, including a Washington Heights natural juice spot.
"Kids like them. You don't need ID to get them. It is like your first step toward drinking liquor," said Shaquel, a 15-year-old who declined to give his last name.
To make the street cocktails even more appealing to teens, some sellers add liquor to piña colada mix or drop a Jolly Rancher candy at the bottom of the cup.
"It is a real phenomenon right now, and it needs a law enforcement response," said Dr. Peter Provet, head of the Odyssey House, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic for teens. "Kids who start to abuse alcohol start to abuse things that are sweet."
Police brass said cracking down on nutcracker sales are a low priority for officers in high-crime precincts who are busy battling drug dealers and gangs.
If cops catch someone selling the drink, the punishment is a mere summons for illegal sale of alcohol, with fines ranging from several hundred dollars to, in the rare instance, more than $1,000.