IMPORTANT NEWS...
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Arrests One for Selling Alcohol in a Dry County
February 13, 2008
Live Oak– The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (Department) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (AB&T) and the Live Oak Police Department concluded a joint enforcement effort and investigation of Hammerheads Bottle Club, located at 905 Helvenston Street, Live Oak, Florida.
AB&T agents executed a search warrant following a complaint that the bottle club, which should only permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on a premises without charge, was operating as a full liquor bar. Suwannee County is a dry county and does not allow the sale of liquor. During the investigation agents determined that the bottle club was operating as a bar without having a license to sell the alcohol. An undercover agent purchased alcohol, including liquor, from employees of the establishment on two occasions.
“DBPR is committed to the enforcement of Florida’s alcohol laws, especially in counties that have chosen to remain dry,” said Secretary Holly Benson. “I thank the Live Oak Police Department for their partnership and assistance with this important enforcement action.”
Patricia Holm, the owner of Hammerheads, was present at the time of the search warrant. Holmes was transported to the Suwannee County jail by the Live Oak Police Department for violation of F.S.S. 562.12(1) Sale of Alcoholic Beverages with improper license. Large amounts of alcohol, including beer and liquor and US currency were seized from the establishment.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses nearly 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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