A recent Corpus Christi Police Department vice operation revealed an increase in the number local businesses selling alcohol to minors.
CCPD’s Narcotics and Vice Division conducted operation Sale Equals Bail on Friday at various convenience stores throughout the city.
During the operation, officers directed and supervised three cooperating individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 as they attempted to purchase alcohol.
CCPD says that of the 22 businesses checked, 12 of the stores sold alcoholic beverages to the underage operatives.
Offending store clerks who sold the alcohol face a charges of Sale to Minors, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4000.
CCPD will forward results of the operation to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for additional action, which could include fines, and the revocation or suspension of the stores’ license to sell alcohol.
“Clearly there is a need for better oversight by the managers and ownership of these businesses,” said NVID Deputy Chief Todd Green. “It’s extremely disturbing to us that during the height of spring break, the clerks at these stores are selling alcohol to minors without properly verifying identification. Alcohol is a common denominator in underage traffic fatalities, and frequently leads to numerous other negative consequences.”
CCPD says similar operations and repeat visits to offending businesses are planned for the near future.
