The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Will Patrol College Towns in Preparation for School Year
TALLAHASSEE—Millions of students will be going back to school in August, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco will patrol college towns to prevent underage youth from obtaining alcohol. From Aug. 9 through Aug. 22, ABT agents from around the state will focus their efforts on areas surrounding college campuses to ensure compliance with underage drinking laws and retailer compliance with alcoholic beverage sales.
“It is important that we begin the school year by helping provide a safe environment for Florida’s students,” said Secretary Charlie Liem.
Both individuals and establishments face stiff penalties for violating alcoholic beverage laws. Establishments that sell alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 three times within a 12-week period face up to a $1,000 fine and a seven-day license suspension. Individuals who sell or give alcohol to underage youth face a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A new law stiffens criminal penalties for anyone caught two or more times giving alcohol to underage drinkers. Anyone who facilitates underage drinking will be subject to a first-degree misdemeanor on the second offense. Individuals under the age of 21 in possession of alcoholic beverages face a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail or a $500 fine.
The mission of ABT is to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage persons, to ensure that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules regulating the industry in Florida, and to collect taxes and fees related to these industries.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The department licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.
