Five bartenders are facing charges after police cracked down on underage drinking in downtown St. Petersburg.
The bartenders were arrested Thursday during a joint operation aimed at downtown businesses that were selling alcohol to underage people. Police said they had received complaints about underage drinking at those establishments.
Police said underage volunteers tried to enter and buy alcohol at 14 locations, and they were sold alcohol at five of them.
The following bartenders were arrested:
- John M. Young, 42, at Mastry's on Central Avenue
- Molly McCoy, 22, at Crowley's on Central Avenue
- Wesley Cardinal, 33, at the Avenue on First Avenue N
- Brittany A. Barber, 25, at Ringside Cafe on Second Street N
- Christopher Gorby, 35, at Ruby's Elixir on Third Street N
Selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21 is a second-degree misdemeanor, according to Florida statutes. It carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.