IMPORTANT NEWS...
“Operation Boutonnière Bust” Keeps Alcohol Out of the Hands of Underage Youth During Prom
May 3, 2010
FT. MYERS—The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco’s “Operation Boutonniere Bust,” a compliance effort to ensure that alcoholic beverage retailers do not make underage alcohol sales, found a retail compliance rate of 75 percent last week. ABT agents conducted seven alcohol compliance checks and cited three retailers and clerks for selling alcohol to underage individuals.
“An increased presence of ABT agents during this time is an important part of ensuring the safety of our youth as they complete there high school experience,” said Interim Secretary Charlie Liem.
During the operation, investigative aides, who are between the ages of 14 and 19, attempted to purchase alcohol. Employees who made underage alcohol sales were arrested. Selling alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 can result in a $1,000 fine and a seven-day license suspension for the first occurrence. Individuals who sell or give alcohol to an underage person can be sentenced to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The information below shows the locations and individuals cited:
Retailer |
Location |
Clerk |
| Chili Ranchero | 11751 S. Cleveland Ave., Ft. Myers, Fla. | Maria Morena |
| La Mottas Restaurant | 15660-4 San Carlos Blvd., Ft Myers, Fla. | Maria LaMotta |
| Bubbas Roadhouse | 2121 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, Fla. | Angelia Johnson |
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 of Business and Professional Regulation’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 MyFloridaLicense.com.