ATC announces 2014 summer crackdown on underage sales

For the second year in a row, the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) Commissioner Troy Hebert announces a summer crackdown on unlawful sales of alcohol and tobacco to minors.  This year, Commissioner Hebert has ordered more agents in the field conducting more compliance checks than ever before. 

ATC agents conduct compliance checks throughout the year to ensure establishments that sell or serve alcohol and tobacco are conducting business in accordance with state laws.  Throughout the summer months, ATC agents will greatly increase the number of random compliance checks at alcohol and tobacco retail outlets statewide.  This is the second year Commissioner Hebert has ordered the summer crackdown in his agency.  Throughout the summer of 2013, ATC agents conducted more than 3,000 compliance checks. Commissioner Hebert expects his agents to surpass that number this summer.

Can you spot a minor? Read more here. 

“The initiative began last year as a way for ATC to continue its mission to prevent access of alcohol and tobacco products to underage individuals,” said Commissioner Hebert. “I want to make sure ATC is doing its part to keep these products out of the hands of minors throughout the state.”

Anyone caught selling or serving alcohol or tobacco products to minors are subject to criminal and administrative charges. Businesses face fines and penalties that could result in suspension or revocation of their alcohol and tobacco permits.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association offers ServSafe Alcohol, a two-hour online course, available 24-7 and designed to help you serve alcohol responsibly and avoid citations, fines and possible license revocation. ServSafe Alcohol is a vital, practical and current responsible alcohol server training program that includes Louisiana alcohol regulations, including key techniques to determine the age of a guest, the reason to ID and the proper way to check an ID.

ServSafe Alcohol Online is a convenient and easy training solution that prepares bartenders, servers, hosts, bussers, valets, bouncers and front of the house staff to effectively and safely handle difficult situations in the operation. The LRA also offers its Louisiana's BEST (Beverage Education Server Training) course upon request. Call (504) 454-2277 for details.