Daily Journal reports
JACKSON – Recent compliance checks by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Tupelo Police Department resulted in five citations for selling alcohol to minors.
“As both attorney general and the father of three, I strongly believe we all have a vested interest in the fight against underage drinking,” Attorney General Jim Hood said. “The time to address underage drinking is before it comes into court as an alcohol-fueled assault or a car crash that takes the life of a loved one.”
Under Mississippi law, any person selling alcohol to a person younger than 21 can face a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail. Any place of business making a sale of beer to an underage person can be fined and/or face administrative charges. The fines ranges from $500 to $5,000. The business can also be prohibited from selling beer for three months to a year.
The businesses given citations in Tupelo were Mugshots, 374 East Main St.; Rita’s Grill Bar, 789 Moncrief Building 1; Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse, 1044 Commonwealth Blvd.; Chili’s Grill and Bar, 3196 North Gloster St., and Fast Lane 1, 3914 North Gloster St. Fast Lane had two violations.
The agents also attempted unsuccessfully to have undercover minors purchase alcohol at other businesses. Blue Canoe, Fairpark Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Stables Downtown Grill were checked but not fined.
“The law simply states that it is illegal in Mississippi to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21,” Hood said. “At the heart of this law is the safety of our children, and we must each do our part to prevent minors from having access to alcohol.”
“We appreciate the good working relationship we have with the Attorney General’s Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit and will continue to combat underage drinking and the selling of alcohol to minors in Tupelo,” Tupelo Police Chief Bart Aguirre said. “I encourage our retailers to obey the law and always check IDs as we continue to do everything we can to try and keep alcohol out of the hands of our kids.”
During the past fiscal year, the Attorney General’s Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit has conducted more than 6,677 alcohol compliance checks with 208 buys for a 3.12 percent buy rate across the state.