IMPORTANT NEWS...
Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Patrols Florida State University Versus University of South Florida Football Game for Underage Drinking
September 28, 2009
TALLAHASSEE—Seminole fans were not the only ones disappointed at Saturday’s game against the University of South Florida; the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agents arrested 17 tailgaters for underage drinking during pre-game festivities. The fans received 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. 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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