Washington Parish Sheriff's Office Cracks Down on Alcohol Sales to Underage Juveniles

A Message from the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office recently launched a proactive initiative, known as the JUDE (Juvenile Underage Drinking Enforcement) operation, aimed at identifying and curbing the sale of alcohol to underage juveniles in the area. The operation has resulted in the discovery of several businesses that have unlawfully sold alcohol to minors. The Sheriff's Office is taking swift action by issuing summonses to the offending businesses and emphasizing the importance of adhering to Louisiana's alcohol sale regulations.

This summer, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office conducted its first JUDE operation, targeting businesses suspected of selling alcohol to underage individuals. The operation revealed that nine businesses had indeed sold alcohol to a juvenile. The establishments implicated in the illegal sales included the Texaco on Highway 21 South, Discount Store #2 on Columbia Street, Chevron on Highway 10 East, Chevron Sunset, Highway 10 Ice Box, Ole JK on Avenue F, Texaco on Avenue F, Chevron on Marshall Richardson Street, The C Store on Columbia Street. 

The Sheriff's Office did not delay in addressing these violations. Summonses were issued to the offending businesses, requiring them to appear in court to address their illegal actions. The consequences of selling alcohol to minors can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and other penalties.

On the second operation, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office launched another JUDE operation to further investigate businesses suspected of selling alcohol to underage individuals. This time, five additional businesses were found guilty of such sales. The businesses identified were the Hackley Hill Store, Bridge Store in Franklinton, Market Max in Franklinton, Winn Dixie in Franklinton, and Fair City Truck Stop in Franklinton.

These five businesses, like their predecessors, were issued summonses to appear in court. The repeated occurrence of businesses selling alcohol to minors highlights the importance of continued enforcement and education in the community.

Sheriff Randy Seal commended the 20 businesses that refused to sell alcohol to the juvenile during the operations. Their adherence to the law and commitment to responsible alcohol sales deserve recognition. Sheriff Seal emphasized the importance of businesses always checking customers' identification and age before selling them alcohol.

Louisiana law explicitly prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under 21 years old. This legal requirement aims to protect the well-being and safety of young individuals, ensuring they do not engage in underage drinking and related activities. The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office stands firm in its commitment to enforce this law and take appropriate action against those who violate it.

The Washington Parish Sheriff's Office has taken proactive measures to address the sale of alcohol to underage juveniles within the community. Through the JUDE operation, several businesses have been caught and held accountable for selling alcohol to minors. The Sheriff's Office urges all businesses to remain vigilant, consistently checking the identification and age of customers to prevent underage alcohol sales.

“The efforts made by law-abiding businesses, which refused to sell alcohol to the juvenile, serve as an example for others. Their responsible actions contribute to creating a safer community and protecting the well-being of young individuals. By upholding the law and reinforcing the message that selling alcohol to minors is unacceptable, the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office aims to curb underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol sales practices throughout the region,” states Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal.