The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a clerk at a Lakeland Shell store earlier this month after she sold an alcoholic beverage to a 17-year-old.
It was the only by deputies who were visiting multiple stores along with a 17-year-old boy who was attempting to purchase alcohol at each stop. The 17-year-old is a member of the PCSO Explorers, a program for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.
The visits were a part of the ongoing PCSO campaign called Operation Pop Top. The goal is to ensure that all stores comply with state law regarding the selling of alcohol to only those who are 21-years of age and older.
In total, the PCSO deputies made six stops at stores in Lakeland and Mulberry.
The 49-year-old Central Florida clerk working at the Lakeland Shell store was arrested and charged with Selling Alcohol to a Person Under 21, a misdemeanor.
“I am pleased with the five clerks who refused to sell alcohol to the minor,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “We will continue to carry-out these visits–it’s our duty to ensure these stores are compliant with Florida law. The safety and wellbeing of the children of Polk County is ultimately what is at stake.”
