IMPORTANT NEWS...

ABT Arrests 21 for Underage Drinking at the University of South Florida vs. Charleston Southern University Football Game

September 21, 2009

TAMPA—While football fans were out this weekend supporting their favorite teams, agents with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco were working to keep alcohol out of the hands of underage fans.  On Saturday, ABT agents patrolled the University of South Florida vs. Charleston Southern University game and issued 21 Notices to Appear for possession of alcohol by an underage person.

Underage drinking prevention is one of the division’s top priorities.  The division works to combat underage drinking through a three-tiered approach—education, prevention, and enforcement. One prevention effort is Tailgaters Urging Responsibility & Fun or TURF.  This initiative aims to positively impact the game environment for everyone with tips for a successful celebration, responsible alcohol consumption reminders and actionable steps each and every fan can take to ensure that the game, and the tradition of tailgating, is preserved.

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’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 www.MyFloridaLicense.com.

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