11 Savannah businesses cited in police underage drinking operation

Eleven businesses were cited this week for serving alcohol to underage individuals during a two-day operation conducted by Savannah Police’s Alcohol Beverage Compliance .

A total of 21 businesses were visited by an underage subject during the operation, which ran October 17-18,said spokeswoman Keturah Greene. The purpose of the operation was to determine if the businesses were in compliance with Georgia law in regards to alcohol sales, Greene said.

Of the 21 businesses, 10 passed and 11 were cited. This operation furthers the ABC Unit’s mission to improve the quality of life in Savannah through the fair and impartial enforcement of laws and regulations governing the serving, selling, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages, according to officials.

“It is important that we continue to stay vigilant in addressing underage drinking concerns in our community,” said Lt. Shinita Young, of the ABC Unit. “We are proud of the businesses that passed, but know that it will take a persistent effort to deter underage alcohol sales. Our unit will continue to educate businesses on how to comply with the state law and local ordinances so that they run lawful and safe operations.”

The managers or licensees of the establishments were notified of the alcohol sold, that the buyer was underage, if the buyer was checked for identification, how the alcohol was served or sold, and what actions would be taken by law enforcement. The businesses that passed will receive letters of congratulations from the Savannah Police Department.

According to the City of Savannah’s Alcohol Beverage Ordinance, a first offense results in a minimum fine of $500; second offense, if within 12 months of the first, results in a $750 fine; third offense, if within 18 months of the first, results in a $1,000 fine; and any further offense, if within 24 months of the first, results in issuance of a notice to appear to show cause for why the establishment’s alcohol license should not be revoked.

The following businesses were cited:

• Broad Street Market- 209 East Broad St.
• Chevron- 147 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
• Shiv’s Discount Corner- 44 Abercorn St.
• Savannah Market- 130 East Victory Dr.
• Waters Discount Market- 4402 Waters Ave.
• Waters Chevron- 5009 Waters Ave.
• Ganesh Food Mart- 3014 Skidaway Road
• Savannah Mart- 2810 Skidaway Road
• My Favorite Bar & Grill- 10419 Abercorn Street
• Pump-N-Go- 201 E. Montgomery Crossroads
• Aqua Vitae Lounge- 719 E 65th Street

The following businesses passed:

• Broughton Convenience- 32 E. Broughton
• One Eyed Lizzy’s Tequila Bar & Grill – 417 E. River Street
• Parker’s- 222 Drayton Street
• Victory BP- 1603 E. Victory Drive
• Discount Point – 2314 Skidaway Road
• Chu’s Convenience Mart #114- 7202 Abercorn Street
• Circle K #5162- 7203 Abercorn Street
• Nickle Pump- 825 Tibet Ave.
• Mike’s Timesaver- 3713 Montgomery Street
• Pump-N-Pantry- 102 West 37th Street