IMPORTANT NEWS...

The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Patrols College Bowl Games for Underage Drinking

Dec. 30, 2009

TALLAHASSEE—Florida hosts six of the 35 college bowl games, and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco wants to ensure a safe culmination to the college football season.  ABT agents will be patrolling the bowl games to arrest underage drinkers.

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.  TURF was launched by the Charmer Sunbelt Group, and former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason is the official spokesperson.  Partners include Brown-Forman, Diageo, and CBS Radio. 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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