Just under half of the businesses permitted to sell alcohol in Gray and Jones County were cited for violations concerning sales to underaged customers.
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Kenny Gleaton stated in an email that the compliance check occurred on Aug._5. Nine businesses were found to be out of compliance, and citations were issued to the clerk involved at each location.
In a Aug. 11 interview, Sheriff Butch Reece said the compliance check was the result of reports received about underaged drinking. He said underaged drinking is linked to accidents and driving under the influence charges.
The sheriff said the reports were about specific business but all 19 stores that sell alcohol in the county were included in the check.
“This doesn’t always reflect on the store owners. It was the clerks who did not check for identification who were cited,” Reece stated.
He did say he was surprised at the number of businesses that were found out of compliance during the check.
The sheriff announced the compliance check last week on his Facebook page. He said the compliance checks were conducted at convenience and grocery stores that sell alcohol.
“Under our investigators’ supervision, a person under the age of 21 was sent into each establishment to attempt to purchase alcohol. All of the stores throughout the county that sell alcohol were checked, with nine of those stores being found in violation. A clerk at each of these stores failed to check identification and was cited for furnishing alcoholic beverages to a person under 21.”
The post explained that underage drinking may not seem like a big deal to some, but it can easily turn into an accident or DUI where someone could be seriously injured or worse.
“Our deputies work hard to make Jones County a safe place to work and live and were surprised at the number of stores that were found to be in violation. We appreciate those businesses that are diligent in checking IDs and hope others will follow their example going forward.”
The sheriff said officers plan to continue the compliance checks.
He said the citations are misdemeanors and will go before Jones County Superior Court.
Businesses cited:
• NBM Plaza, 3437 Joycliff Road
• West Gray BP, 295 West Clinton Street
• Harvey’s, 208 West Clinton Street
• Marathon, 180 West Clinton Street
• Handy Andy Food Mart, 148 West Clinton Street
• Lake Mart BP, 2810 Gray Highway
• K & A Citgo, 1359 Highway 22
• Texaco, 249 Highway 22
• C & J’s Supermarket, 101 Highway 49
