On Jan. 16, 2020, The Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Division conducted an operation to check businesses that sell alcohol in the Upper Keys. Ten businesses were checked, including: restaurants, convenience stores, and bars.  Three of the businesses sold alcohol to a minor during our operation.  The three store clerks who sold alcohol to a minor were issued Notices to Appear before a Monroe County Judge. 

The following is a list of the business and employees who sold the alcohol:

  • Marathon Gas Station – 106200 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Employee: Jose Laredo, issued a Notice to Appear
  • Circle K Gas Station – 99810 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Employee: Celia Durano, issued a Notice to Appear
  • Marathon Gas Station – 98210 Overseas Highway, Key Largo. Employee: Darlyn Cruz-Arenciba, issued a Notice to Appear

Each employee can face a maximum penalty up to:

60 days in jail, a $500.00 fine, $235.00 in court costs, and $75.00 in costs of prosecution.

Each business can face a maximum penalty up to:

1st Offense – $1000 fine and a 7 day suspension of their alcoholic beverage license.

2nd Offense – $3000 fine and a 30 day suspension of their alcoholic beverage license.

3rd Offense – Permanent revocation of alcoholic beverage license.

The remaining businesses were in compliance with the law.  This operation was conducted in cooperation with the Monroe County Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free Community.

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