IMPORTANT NEWS...
ABT Arrests Over 100 Underage Drinkers during College Football Games
November 4, 2008
TALLAHASSEE-- Football season is underway and so is the great American pastime, tailgating. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is cracking down on underage drinkers at football games. This past Saturday, ABT worked the University of Florida versus University of Georgia game in Jacksonville and the University of Central Florida versus East Carolina University game in Orlando; and arrested 142 individuals.
Agents at the game in Jacksonville arrested 125 people for possession of alcoholic beverages by an underage person and obstruction by a disguised person. During the game in Orlando agents arrested 17 people for possession of alcoholic beverages by an underage person.
“This is the largest number of arrests for underage drinkers that we have had this year. We are not going to tolerate underage drinking, therefore our agents are working diligently to ensure that our presence is known at college and professional games around the state,” said Secretary Charles Drago.
The Department, along with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, The Charmer Sunbelt Group and legendary NFL football player Joe Theismann are promoting 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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