Between April 27th and May 5th, the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit conducted operations checking businesses that sell alcohol in the Middle and Upper Keys. A total of 43 businesses were checked including restaurants, convenience stores and bars. Five businesses served alcohol to a minor during our investigation. The clerks who sold the alcohol were issued notices to appear before a Monroe County judge.

The following are the businesses, and attendants who sold the alcohol:

Tom Thumb- 2565 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Attendant: Guillermo S. Acuna, 61 years of age.
Marathon Gas Station- 106200 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Attendant: Michael J. Johnson, 19 years of age
Walgreens Liquors – 99501 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Attendant: Carlos H. Ruiz, 69 years of age.
Tiny’s Liquors – 82788 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Attendant: Angela D. Kipp, 35 years of age.
Dion’s – 81644 Overseas Highway, Islamorada. Attendant: Pamela D. Williams, 47 years of age.

The Sale Clerk violations are up to 60 days in jail, a $500.00 fine, $235.00 in court cost, $75.00 in cost of prosecution, and $40.00 in cost of investigation.

The Licensee Violations are:

1st-Offense $1000 fine and 7 day suspension.
2nd-Offense $3000 fine and 30 day suspension.
3rd-Offense Revocation of license.

The remaining business checked, were in compliance with the law. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community.