Tallahassee, FL - As students and football fans prepare for game day, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is ready to enforce underage alcohol sales and drinking laws. Each year, ABT agents patrol pre-game tailgating parties to stop underage drinking. Additionally, ABT is partnering with alcoholic beverage industry representatives for Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun, or “TURF.”

“Every football season, we’re dedicated to protecting youth from the dangers of underage alcohol use. With a maximum sentence of 60 days in jail, underage drinkers run the risk of ruining more than just one game day by breaking the law,” stated Secretary Charlie Liem.

In its third year, The Charmer Sunbelt Group (CSG) together with Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Brown-Forman Corporation, The Retail Beverage Council of the Florida Retail Federation, Premier Beverage, CBS Radio, WAXY “The Ticket” and TURF spokesman Boomer Esiason collaborated on an integrated program designed to promote safe and responsible tailgating at Florida sporting events.

“TURF addresses concerns from community leaders, regulators, law enforcement and most important, fans who no longer want themselves or their children exposed to the rowdy and unsafe behavior of a few who spoil the game day experience for everyone,” said Brian Fischer, Vice President, Community Relations, The Charmer Sunbelt Group.

Establishments that sell alcohol to individuals under the age of 21 three times within a 12-week period face up to a $1,000 fine and a seven-day license suspension. Individuals who sell or give alcohol to underage youth face a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. A new law stiffens criminal penalties for anyone caught two or more times giving alcohol to underage drinkers. Anyone who facilitates underage drinking will be subject to a first-degree misdemeanor on the second offense.

The DBPR’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. DBPR licenses more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from real estate agents, veterinarians, and accountants to contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit MyFloridaLicense.com.