4 Citrus County businesses issued citations fofr selling alcohol to minors
Citrus County, Florida - On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) partnered with state investigators with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT) to conduct a law enforcement effort to check the adherence, of 15 randomly selected businesses within Citrus County, to their license to sell alcohol and tobacco - specifically to learn if they would sell alcohol to minors. Of the 15 businesses selected, 4 were not in compliance with their license.
Establishments that were NOT in compliance:
Race Track, 3310 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Lecanto, FL - 1 misdemeanor citation was issued.
Circle K #5995, 2025 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL - 1 misdemeanor citation was issued.
Skipper's Liquors, 3451 E. Louise Ln. #104, Hernando, FL - 1 misdemeanor citation was issued.
Sunoco, 6971 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Crystal River, FL - 1 misdemeanor citation was issued.
Establishments that WERE in compliance:
WAWA, 2932 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Lecanto, FL
Shamrock Inn, 8343 E. Orange Ave., Floral City, FL
Dollar General #14249, 6915 N. Florida Ave., Hernando, FL
Niko's Neighborhood Bar, 5210 N. Florida Ave., Hernando, FL
Texaco Food Mart, 645 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Hernando, FL
CVS Pharmacy #3700, 3506 Norvell Bryant Hwy, Hernando, FL
Walgreens #5980 795 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Hernando, FL
Ozello Island Outpost, 14231 W. Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL
Walgreens, 310 NE U.S. Hwy. 19, Crystal River, FL
Walgreens, 9427 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL
"Selling alcohol and tobacco to minors is not only illegal, but tremendously irresponsible and reckless for a business," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "It's unfortunate to see several establishments in our county blatantly disregard the law by skipping the simple step of checking an identification card."
"The Citrus County Sheriff's Office and ABT will continue to work constructively with local retail establishments, to ensure employees are well-educated in Florida Beverage and Tobacco Laws," said Sydney Hudson, CCSO Community Relations Specialist, in a press release.