Fort Lauderdale Campaigns to Block Alcohol Sales to Minors

Matt Little, Public Information Specialist
(954) 828-4732 or MLittle@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale is timing new warnings aimed at preventing underage drinking to coincide with the busy season at the beach. The City is targeting messages at businesses that sell alcohol and minors seeking to buy it.

Letters from the Police Department have been mailed to all of the 600+ businesses that sell alcohol in the city. “Failure to check for valid identification can result in significant criminal sanctions and the loss of a license to sell alcohol,” the letter warns, followed by a promise of undercover stings. With funding from a federal underage drinking prevention grant, the letter was also inserted as a display advertisement in the Sunday, February 17th edition of the Sun-Sentinel.

To reach minors, the Police Department corresponded with colleges, universities and high schools to raise awareness of Fort Lauderdale’s “zero tolerance” rules prohibiting alcohol on the beach, underage drinking and open containers in public places. “Violation of ordinances may result in arrest or issuance of a Notice to Appear before a judge,” students were warned.

The City is also partnering with businesses along A1A to get the message out. City liaisons are making personal visits to businesses, offering free posters and table tent cards with messages like “Watch where you drink…we are,” and “If you’re headed out, leave the drink behind. It’s the law.”

Electronic signs have been posted at major arteries leading to the beach, reminding visitors of ordinances relating to alcohol.

The underage drinking prevention program is a component of Fort Lauderdale’s 2008 Spring Break initiative aimed at protecting public safety, promoting a clean and orderly environment on the beach and protecting the quality of life for residents, visitors, business owners and employees.

Approximately 6,000 people, under the age of 21, die in the United States each year due to underage drinking. Underage drinking is the leading cause of death for persons under age 21.