IMPORTANT NEWS...
ABT Agents Arrest more than 350 this Football Season
December 2, 2008
TALLAHASSEE— This weekend, Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agents were right there with the tailgaters who arrived in droves at the Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee for the rivalry game between the Florida State University and University of Florida. While fans surrounded the stadium as early as 10:30 a.m. to begin tailgating festivities, ABT agents patrolled the area to keep alcohol out of the hands of the underage. So far this season, ABT agents have arrested more than 350 people for underage drinking throughout the state. Preventing underage drinking is one of the Division’s top priorities.
Two rivals battled it out on the gridiron this past weekend. Florida State University and the University of Florida’s end-of-the-season match-up is a timeless tradition for the universities. It is also a tradition for underage people to drink. ABT agents arrested a total of 22 people for possession of alcoholic beverages by underage persons during the pre-game.
Enforcement is just one part of the three-tier plan agents use to combat underage drinking. The other two components are education and prevention. One prevention effort is Tailgaters Urging Responsibility & Fun or TURF. ABT partnered with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, the Charmer Sunbelt Group, and legendary NFL football player Joe Theismann. 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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