Follow Up Operations Finds More Bars in Compliance
The Key West Police Special Investigations Unit, following up on several citations for selling alcohol to minors, found most of the bars in compliance last week. In June four local bar employees received notices to appear for selling alcohol to minors during a two-day alcohol compliance check operation.
Don’s Place Liquor Store, Old Town Wine and Spirits (Bare Assets), and Conch Town Liquor were all found to be in compliance with the law.
However, Samantha Romeo, an employee at Shorty’s Market was cited for selling to a minor. In June Renae Francis, another employee of Shorty’s Market was also cited for selling alcohol to a minor.
Detectives conduct these undercover checks periodically to ensure that purveyors of alcohol comply with Florida law by checking ID and refraining from selling alcohol to minors. According to statute, anyone who sells alcoholic beverages to a minor may face a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail. In addition, courts may add a fine, suspension, or revocation of license. The first violation by the vendor can carry a $1,000 fine and a seven-day license suspension. Penalties are then increased for subsequent violations.
The problem is after a sting they stop for a bit. The employee gets off easy but the bar or store owner gets slammed hard. They do the stings by using a 20 1/2 year old girl that looks 5 years older. A busy store or bar could easily be had. Dam near nothing happens to the real underage drinker when caught. Part of the problem is an 18 year old clerk or bartender can sell but not buy. The law needs changed.
What they need do is test every bar a few times and just take evidence and not bust anyone till they have maybe 50 arrests. Do it the same way as they bust drug dealers.
Then again there is a chance they really are not trying hard to bust anyone and this is nothing but a legal show of we do make stings. And the Bubba system select who to bust. I put nothing past such a corrupt city.