Alcohol sales to minors down statewide over New Year's

Youthful agents with the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) hit the streets across the state during the 2015 New Year celebrations, trying to buy booze without proper ID.
Out of 234 attempts, they were successful 33 times, which translates to an 86 percent compliance rate for the state’s licensed vendors.
Last year the agents made 27 purchases out of 116 attempts, a 77 percent compliance rate.
“During ATC’s annual New Year’s Eve sting, we doubled the amount of checks and sales to minors went down 9 percent,” said ATC Commissioner Troy Hebert. “That’s great news and I commend the businesses that did the right thing.”
ATC agents spent the night and early morning of Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 conducting underage compliance checks of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels and convenience and grocery stores throughout the state.
Throughout 2014, the agency has set a new standard for compliance checks, not only increasing the number of checks during special events like Mardi Gras and New Year’s Eve, but also many special events where alcohol is served.
“ATC looks to continue its hard work in 2015 and further the agency’s mission to promote responsible business practices and prevent access of alcohol and tobacco to minors,” Hebert said. “Nothing good comes out of selling or serving alcohol and tobacco to a minor.”
Five Breaux Bridge area businesses were among those cited for selling alcohol and/or tobacco to underage persons during ATC’s New Year’s Eve compliance checks: Levee Rat Bar, Lisa’s Daiquiris, Lucky Luke’s, Miss Mamie’s Henderson Casino, and T Boy’s Lounge.