PUTNAM COUNTY, FL – On June 25 the sheriff’s office in conjunction with special agents of the state Department of Alcohol, Beverages and Tobacco, members of our youth resource unit and criminal investigations bureau conducted an operation targeting businesses selling alcoholic beverages to underage customers.
Recently deputies have noticed an increase in crashes caused by impaired motorists under the legal drinking age of 21. This, along with complaints from the community, necessitated the operation. Agents with the Department of Alcohol, Beverages and Tobacco provided a 19-year-old investigative aide who attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages at 12 businesses in total. During each transaction, a special agent was in the business at the same time as a witness and to ensure the safety of the aide. Seven businesses declined selling to the aide.
Clerks who were arrested were charged with a second-degree misdemeanor for selling alcohol under the age of 21. They were taken to the Putnam County Jail and released on $500 bond.
“While this may not seem like a lot, we will continue to target those businesses who sell alcohol to those under 21 years of age. Businesses where alcohol was sold to a person under 21,” the agency said.
- Sahir Food Mart, 2101 Husson Avenue
- El Cheapo, 623 Reid Street
- Ivan’s Food Mart, 2001 Reid Street
- JAS Foods, 101 N. 19th Street
- Palm and Crill Food Mart, 3200 Crill Avenue