On Friday, July 1, 2022, State Agents from Jacksonville’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) conducted compliance checks throughout Flagler County, in an effort to combat underage drinking for the 4th of July holiday weekend. The request for the compliance checks was made by the Flagler Beach Police Department and the request was fully supported by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bunnell Police Department.
During the July 1st operation, State Agents utilized the assistance of an Investigative Aide who attempted to purchase alcoholic beverages at numerous businesses throughout Flagler County. During the operation, 100% compliance was gained at each location checked, and no arrests were made. Here’s a list of the businesses checked;
- Shell, 700 South Oceanshore Boulevard, Flagler Beach
- 7-Eleven, 408 South Oceanshore Boulevard, Flagler Beach
- Jiffy Store, 116 Moody Boulevard, Flagler Beach
- Publix #1257, 414 Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach
- Publix Liquors, 416 Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach
- Tony’s Pizza, 428 Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach
- 7-Eleven #37765A, 2560 SR 100, Flagler Beach
- Tobacco Outlet #2, 2557 SR 100, Flagler Beach
- Racetrac, 6100 SR 100, Palm Coast
- Sharp’s Discount Liquors, 103 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast
- Winn-Dixie, 111 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast
- Mobil, 6020 SR 100, Flagler Beach
- Circle K, 6125 SR 100, Flagler Beach
- Circle K, 500 East Moody , Bunnell
- Quick King #4, 100 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell
- Sunoco, 703 S. #1, Bunnell
In the State of Florida, it is a second degree misdemeanor under Florida State Statute
562.11 (1)(a) to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years. Additionally, it is also a second degree misdemeanor under Florida State Statute 569.101 (1) to sell, deliver, barter, furnish, or give, directly or indirectly, to any person who is under 21 years of age, any tobacco product.
“This Countywide initiative to combat underage drinking, on an extremely busy holiday weekend, is another example of all Law Enforcement agencies in Flagler County working together to keep our community safe. We sincerely appreciate the expertise and assistance provided by our partners with State Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco, and we look forward to working with them again in the future” said Flagler Beach Police Chief Matt Doughney.
Chief Doughney concluded by stating, “We’d like to thank each of the businesses checked during this operation for doing their due diligence by asking and checking identification, and not selling alcoholic beverages to minors. Keeping Flagler County, a safe place to live, work and visit is our goal, and thanks again to our business community for being both vigilant and responsible”.
Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Chief Doughney at (386) 517-2024.
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Steve Robinson says
An actual man-bites-dog story!
Virginia says
Kudos to Tony’s Pizza, who seemed to be the only restaurant published on this list.
Jimbo99 says
None of them are bars where minors are more/most likely going to succeed at purchasing & being served alcohol illegally ? All listed businesses are gas stations/convenience/grocery stores & restaurants. Amazing that the state government agency are posing to entrap ? How is one an undercover, underage agent without misrepresenting their age & identity with a fraudulent ID card and not be part of the problem ?
bob says
Knock, knock, anybody home? why did you get the info on the process used ?
Laurel says
Jimbo99: Well, for once I agree with you! :) This is bull to me. This is a high five for the departments, and a lot of back patting, with zippo results. This is all they got to do? Maybe hop in a C.O.P. boat and fly down the ICW.
I used to work as a bartender, and believe me, no one wants to serve someone underage. It was a total nightmare when the drinking age went down to 18, and I was very glad when it went back to 21. I recall one young lady gave me her ID, I looked it over, looked at her, saw she was 21 and served her. Later I found out it was her sister’s ID and they were dead ringers for each other. Should I have been busted?
As a ten year old, I hopped on my bike, went to the local drug store, paid out two dimes for a pack of Salems for my older brother. Where were the state agents then?
Look, I support law enforcement, but sometimes I think they should focus on more serious stuff. At least they don’t seem to be pulling over golf carts lately.