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Store Clerks Caught In Sting For Selling Beer To Minors

Release Date: February 28, 2005

Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies, Metro D.U.I. Unit Officers, and Officers with the Memphis Police Department conducted a joint-investigation this past weekend to stop the sale of alcohol and beer to minors.

“We're continuing to send a strong message to business owners who do not follow the law regarding the sale of alcohol. It is imperative we keep minors away from alcohol, as some who get it are drinking and driving,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

Clerks at 32 area convenience stores, grocery stores and liquor stores in North Memphis, East Memphis, Raleigh and the Bartlett area, were arrested for selling alcohol to underage customers. The stings were conducted this past Friday and Saturday evenings.

“The number of arrests made last weekend is an indication of just how wide-spread the problem of underage drinking is. Those who operate businesses that sell alcohol need to be aware that we will be continuing these stings to ensure the alcohol laws are followed,” said Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.

Deputies and Officers went undercover into the businesses along with people under the legal drinking age of 21. At one convenience store, a clerk who is only 15-years-old was caught selling beer to a minor. Another clerk at that store was arrested for allowing the teenager to sell the beer.

Those who sold alcohol to minors face misdemeanor charges and must report to jail to be booked and fingerprinted.

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