TAVARES, Florida—In an effort to deter a small uptick in minor juvenile crimes downtown, Tavares Police Department performed underage alcohol buys Friday and four of the eight establishments they tried to buy from sold alcohol to minors, according to TPD Lt. Sarah Coursey.
“We were informed there were some issues downtown, so we acted quickly to try to prevent further problems like fights, DUIs and disturbances,” Coursey told Inside Lake. “One of our officers stopped a minor walking downtown with a beer just a few days ago.”
Buster Tubbs, 110 South New Hampshire Avenue, Puddle Jumpers Lakeside Grill & Bar, 111 West Ruby Street; Tavares Dog House, 201 West Ruby Street and Tiki West Raw Bar and Grill all sold alcohol to minors, according to Coursey.
“The buyers showed their IDs at all of the establishments. Some served regardless and others didn’t bother checking,” Coursey said.
Hemingway’s Wine Beer and Cigar Bar, 126 West Ruby Street; Kalua Beach Bar, 181 South Joanna Avenue, O’Keefe’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 115 S. Rockingham Avenue and Ruby Street Grille, 221 East Ruby Street all denied the minors.
Employees who sold to the minors were given a misdemeanor citation that requires an appearance in court and TPD will be sending its findings to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the agency charged with issuing liquor licenses and regulating alcoholic beverage laws, Coursey said.
