IMPORTANT NEWS...
Regulatory Agency Arrests Suspects Responsible for Serving Alcohol to Underage Fatality Victim
October 9, 2012
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) today announced the arrests of five suspects on charges they hosted a house party and/or served alcohol to a minor who was struck and killed by a car after leaving the party intoxicated. The arrests are a result of newly passed legislation, Chapters 856.015 and 562.11(1)(a) F.S., making it a criminal offense to host an open house party and to serve, sell or give alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21.
“Open house parties and underage consumption of alcohol are very dangerous situations that can ultimately be avoided,” said Secretary Ken Lawson. “Adults who give children alcohol should be held responsible.”
The following individuals were arrested for violation of F.S.S. 856.015 Open House Party and 562.11(1)(a) Selling, Serving, or Giving Alcoholic Beverages to Persons Under the Lawful Age of 21:
Amber Campbell, DOB 10/29/91, of Middleburg; and
Jacob Hicks, DOB 12/31/91, of Middleburg
The following individuals were arrested for violation of F.S.S. 562.11(1)(a) Selling, Serving, or Giving Alcoholic Beverages to Persons Under the Lawful Age of 21 :
James Rosier, DOB 5/23/91, of Middleburg;
Austin Petitt, DOB 1/18/91, of Middleburg; and
Eric Gibson, DOB 11/7/89, of Middleburg
The cases will be prosecuted by the local State Attorney’s office.
The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is charged with keeping 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 and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
More information about DBPR is available online at www.myfloridalicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.