Three more cited for selling to underage patron

Media Relations Officer Kevin Kelshaw told local St. Johns County news reporters that on Saturday, February 27th, the Youth Services Unit of the Sheriff’s Office conducted an alcohol compliance detail as a continuing aspect of the “Party’s Over” campaign.

As part of the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Aide Program, an 18-year old young man attempted to purchase alcohol at 13 local establishments in the St. Augustine area. The Aide was served alcohol at 3 of the businesses. The operation is funded by a SARG Grant and falls under the PACT Prevention Coalition.

The aide would produce his actual identification if asked and state his true age if requested. The Sheriff’s Office filed a charge of selling, serving or giving alcohol to a person under the age of 21 against the three people who served alcohol to the Aide. The reports will also be sent to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco for potential administrative investigations.

The establishments where clerks were charged with selling alcohol to a minor were:
Kangaroo Express, 715 S.R. 207, charges signed by a 49-year old clerk for selling the Investigative Aide a six pack of beer.

Appleby’s, 225 S.R. 312, charges signed by a 25-year old bartender who served the Aide a bottle of beer.

Gypsy Cab, 828 Anastasia Blvd., charges signed by a 23-year old male bartender who served the Aide a bottle of beer.

In all three of these cases, the clerk and bartenders checked the Aide’s ID — but still served alcoholic beverages to him.

Clerks at the following businesses refused to sell alcohol to the Investigative Aide: St. George Tavern, 116 St. George St.; Mi Casa Café, 69 St. George St.; The Liquor Store, 16 Castillo Dr.; White Lion Restaurant and Pub, 20 Cuna St.; Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, 12 Avenida Menendez; Meehan’s on Matanzas, 20 Avenida Menendez; The Tradewinds, 124 Charlotte St.; A1A Aleworks, 1 King St.; The British Pub, 213 Anastasia Blvd.; and the Outback Steakhouse, 245 S.R. 312.

A violation of F.S. 562.11, “Selling, giving, or serving alcoholic beverages to person under age 21”, is a Second Degree Misdemeanor punishable up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 criminal fine.