The Winter Haven Police Department made three arrests over the weekend after alcoholic beverages were sold to underage persons. The operation took place due to continued complaints coming in to the Department regarding the sales to minors at local establishments. Working with the Florida Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Regulation. The operation was conducted Friday and Saturday.
The illegal alcohol sales occurred during WHPD’s Operation Pop Top campaign in which minors working with the Department visit various stores and establishments to see if the clerk or bartender would sell an alcoholic beverage to someone under 21 years of age (Florida’s minimum age for legal alcohol consumption).
Over the weekend, a total of 12 bars/restaurants and convenience stores were checked for alcohol sales. Of those checked, one restaurant and two bars were not in compliance with the four convenience stores and the remaining establishments were in compliance.
Those establishments NOT in compliance resulted in one arrest each:
Dukes Brewhouse – 1708 6th St SE; Despite showing the IDs of the underage patrons, the minors were served two alcoholic beverages resulting in the arrest of 21 year-old Elizabeth Cravey of Auburndale.
Caribbean Bay – 1004 Lake Howard Dr SW; Despite showing the IDs of the underage patrons, the minors were served two alcoholic beverages resulting in the arrest of 45 year-old Hebe Alexandra Light of Davenport.
Old Man Frank’s – 1005 Lake Howard Dr; No ID was requested for age verification and the minor was served an alcoholic beverage resulting in the arrest of 67 year-old Debbie Ann Dekle of Winter Haven.
Establishments that WERE in compliance are as follows:
Barrel 239 – 239 3rd St SW: Upon inspection of ID, bartender refused to sell to the minor.
Central Tavern – 273 West Central Ave: Upon inspection of ID, bartender refused to sell to the minor.
Slate 8 Pool Hall – 20 4th St SW; Upon inspection of ID, minor was refused entry into the establishment.
Ave Bar – 340 West Central Ave; Upon inspection of ID, bartender refused to sell to the minor.
Office Pub – 1243 1st St S; Upon inspection of ID, minor was refused entry into the establishment.
Race Trac – 934 Havendale Blvd; Upon inspection of ID, clerk refused to sell to the minor.
Sunoco – 1202 6th St NW; Upon inspection of ID, clerk refused to sell to the minor.
7-11 – 1099 1st St S; Upon inspection of ID, clerk refused to sell to the minor.
Circle K – 1000 1st St S; Upon inspection of ID, clerk refused to sell to the minor.
“These types of operations are important for our community to ensure our businesses that sell alcohol know that we taker underage sales serious,” said Police Chief David Brannan. “I want to thank each of these businesses, that were in compliance, for helping to keep our youth safe.”
