Alcohol compliance checks

Between April 27^th and May 5^th, the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit conducted operations checking businesses that sell alcohol in the Middle and Upper Keys.  A total of 43 businesses were checked including restaurants, convenience stores and bars. Five businesses served alcohol to a minor during our investigation.  The clerks who sold the alcohol were issued notices to appear before a Monroe County judge. 

The following are the businesses, and attendants who sold the alcohol:

Tom Thumb-                    2565 Overseas Highway, Marathon.    Attendant:  Guillermo S. Acuna, 61 years of age.

Marathon Gas Station- 106200 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.    Attendant:  Michael J. Johnson, 19 years of age

Walgreens Liquors -      99501 Overseas Highway, Key Largo.        Attendant:  Carlos H. Ruiz, 69 years of age. 

Tiny's Liquors -               82788 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.     Attendant:  Angela D. Kipp, 35 years of age. 

Dion's –                            81644 Overseas Highway, Islamorada.      Attendant: Pamela D. Williams,  47 years of age.

The Sale Clerk violations are up to 60 days in jail, a $500.00 fine, $235.00 in court cost, $75.00 in cost of prosecution, and $40.00 in cost of investigation.

The Licensee Violations are:

1st-Offense $1000 fine and 7 day suspension.

2nd-Offense $3000 fine and 30 day suspension.

3rd-Offense Revocation of license.

The remaining business checked, were in compliance with the law.  This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community.