The Mississippi Attorney General’s Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement Division in conjunction with the Oxford Police Department conducted alcohol and beer compliance checks in Oxford resulting in the issuance of 13 citations for selling alcohol to minors.

“The safety of our young people is at the heart of this law.  It states very simply that it is it is illegal in Mississippi to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21,” said Attorney General Jim Hood. “College is an exciting and very important part of life, and we have a responsibility to help young people have as safe of an environment as possible.   I want our young people and our retailers to be fully aware that we will continue to strictly enforce our compliance checks statewide, especially in college towns”

“Our thanks to the Oxford Police Department for their outstanding assistance in this effort.” Attorney General Hood also encouraged retailers to be proactive, saying, “The Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Division provides training for staff and management of any retail establishment which sells alcohol.  I urge business owners and managers to contact my office, and ask for on-site training.  The lives of our children and loved ones are at risk whenever alcohol consumption and driving are mixed.  Other dangers include binge or excessive drinking which can also result in overdose, an accident or injury.  Retailers who are vigilant in following the law can significantly improve a safe environment for all.”

In Oxford on September 17, the following businesses received citations when checked for compliance on selling alcohol to minors:

4 Corner Chevron       502 South Lamar Blvd             VIOLATION

The Library                  120 S. 11th St                         VIOLATION

The Burgundy Room   1112 Van Buren Ave          VIOLATION

The Corner Bar           1002 Jackson Ave E          2 VIOLATIONS

Funkys                     1012 Jackson Ave E            2 VIOLATIONS

Circle K #912              101 N Thacker Loop          VIOLATION                 2nd Offense w/in a year

Spot Store                   1438 North Lamar Blvd    VIOLATION                 2nd Offense w/in a year

Levee of Oxford          1008 Jackson Ave           2 VIOLATIONS           2nd Offense w/in a year

Wards Short Stop        2502 Old Taylor Rd          2 VIOLATIONS           2nd Offense w/in a year

 

The following businesses in Oxford did not receive a citation when checked for compliance on selling alcohol to minors:

Double Quick #24                1401 Jackson Ave

Three Way Store                  1500 Old Hwy 7N

Texaco Express Shop        2018 University Ave

The Brittany Store                1903 Jackson Ave W

Lindseys Chevron                321 N Lamar

Lamar Express                    1448 South Lamar Blvd

According to state law, any person selling beer to a person under the age of 21 years can face a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail or both.  Any place of business making a sale of beer to an underage person can be fined and/or suffer administrative charges.  For a first offense, a retailer may be fined not less than $500 but not more than $1,000 and/or be prohibited from selling beer for three months. For a second  offense occurring  within 12 months of the first offense, a fine of not less than $500 but not more than $1,500 and be prohibited from selling beer for six months. For a third offense occurring  within 12 months of the first offense, a fine of not less than $1,000 but not more than $5,000 and be prohibited from selling beer for one year.

Attorney General Hood concludes, “If you sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, you will pay a hefty fine to the State, and if you continue to sell you could lose your permit to sell. We appreciate the support and commitment of local law enforcement agencies, and I am certain that our combined efforts will vastly help reduce the sale of alcohol to underage drinkers,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.

During the past fiscal year, the Attorney General’s Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit has conducted more than 6,000 compliance checks with 203 buys for a 3.28% buy rate across the state.