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15 Store Clerks Arrested In Weekend Beer Sting-34 Teenagers Arrested For Violating Curfew

Release Date: December 20, 2004

Metro D.U.I. Officers and Shelby County Sheriff's Deputies continued their efforts this past weekend to prevent traffic crashes involving impaired drivers.

“We focused on prevention, targeting businesses that might be selling beer to minors. We want to send a clear message about the importance of keeping alcohol away from those who are under the age of 21,” said Shelby County Sheriff Mark H. Luttrell, Jr.

During the first phase of the sting operation on December 17, this past Friday night, officers visited 50 convenience stores and grocery stores in the Memphis area, mainly in downtown and midtown. With them were under-age teenagers who attempted to buy beer. Clerks at 15 stores were arrested for selling beer to the teenagers. During the sting, a total of 18 misdemeanor citations were issued. Clerks at some of the businesses sold beer to more than one teenager.

Later on Friday night and extending into early Saturday morning, the second phase of the sting began. Officers visited bars and restaurants in the downtown area looking for instances of beer and alcohol being sold to minors. No violations were observed.

However, at “The Spot,” located at 616 Marshall near downtown, 34 teenagers were taken into custody for violating the curfew law. Teenagers as young as 14 were at the club. None of the teenagers, however, was observed drinking at the club.

“The Designate Before You Celebrate” enforcement effort will continue through Super Bowl weekend in February.

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