LCSO and TABC Conduct Joint Sting Operation Targeting Alcohol Violations

LIBERTY, December 31, 2005 VIDEO in QuickTime - The TABC in conjunction with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department conducted a sting operation in South Liberty County on December 16th and 17th.

The operation was called Operation Last Call and targeted establishment that sell and serve alcoholic beverages.

Sheriff Greg Arthur stated that his office had received numerous complaints concerning stores that sell alcohol to minors.

The purpose of this operation was to improve public safety by improving alcohol service and consumption and to promote the responsible self-service of alcohol.

Texas leads the nation in alcohol related fatal accidents and the Department of Public Safety provided critical information concerning the time and location of DWI related arrests and alcohol related accidents. According to their information Saturday night has the largest number of DWI arrests and accidents. The DWI information for Liberty County identified where the arrests and accidents occurred and demonstrated that most occur near the cities of Liberty County largely due to the fact there are few bars and saloons in the rural areas.

On Friday, December 16th, 38 locations were targeted to determine if in fact they were selling alcohol to minors in violation of the law.

The process consisted of sending in a minor who attempted to purchase alcohol along with an undercover agent who videotaped the sales. Of the 38 establishments targeted in this sting operation there were 11 cases made for selling alcohol to minors.

The clerks who sold the alcohol to the minor faces criminal penalties and their employers face administrative license penalties including 7 to 20 day suspensions for their first offense. Second offenses carry an administrative penalty of 20 days and up.

Administrative cases were made against the following establishments for selling alcohol to minors.

SB Raceway 5766

Westside Grocery

Thrifty Food Center

Calhoun’s Country Store

Spin In Market 15

Lewie’s

MJA Goods

Liberty Food Mart

Mo To Go Food

Miller’s Food Mart No. 1

Toors Food mart

Saturday night targeted bars and saloons that serve alcohol beverages. The following establishments had cases of open saloon violations. These cases largely involve situations where bars and saloons served alcohol to intoxicated patrons or private club violations.

Max Amigos

American Legion Post 0393

Cleveland Memorial Post

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