SAVANNAH, GA (December 3, 2018) – A operation into underage alcohol sales by Savannah Police’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance (ABC) Unit resulted in six out of 16 businesses failing.
During a two-day operation last week, underage subjects visited 16 businesses, ranging from restaurants and bars to convenience and grocery stores, to determine if they comply with Georgia law in regard to alcohol sales. Out of the 16, six failed the operation. The managers or licensees of the establishments were notified of the alcohol sold, that the buyer was underage, if the buyer was checked for identification, how the alcohol was served or sold, and what actions would be taken by law enforcement. The Georgia Department of Revenue Alcohol and Tobacco Division will follow up with the businesses on fines they will face as a result of the failure.
This is the second operation the unit has conducted in the past month. The most recent one, which ran from Nov. 14-15, resulted in nine of the 16 businesses failing. The ABC Unit plans to remain vigilant in its efforts to curb underage sales and plans to continue to conduct operations regarding underage alcohol sales and overconsumption. Businesses are urged to train their staff on the law and the implications of failure to comply.
The 10 businesses that passed will receive letters of congratulations from the Savannah Police Department.
According to the City of Savannah’s Alcohol Beverage Ordinance, a first offense results in a minimum fine of $500; second offense, if within 12 months of the first, results in a $750 fine; third offense, if within 18 months of the first, results in a $1,000 fine; and any further offense, if within 24 months of the first, results in issuance of a notice to appear to show cause for why the establishment’s alcohol license should not be revoked.
The following businesses were cited:
O’Connell Irish Pub, 42 Drayton St.
Bar Bar, 219 W. St. Julian St.
La Nopalera, 108 Mall Blvd.
Kevin Barry’s, 117 W. River St.
Circle K, 2404 Dean Forest Road
CO, 10 Whitaker St.
The following businesses passed:
Airways Amoco, 291 Crossroads Parkway
Airways Shell, 294, 294 Crossroads Parkway
Jen’s and Friends, 7 E. Congress St.
Joe’s Crab Shack, 504 E. River St.
Kroger, 311 E. Gwinnet St.
Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, 314 Williamson St.
Rail Pub, 405 W. Congress St.
Parkway Shell, 4 Park of Commerce Blvd.
Zach’s Quick Stop, 2701 Ogeechee Road
Buffalo Wild Wings, 7700 Abercorn St.