September 15, 2025
Punta Gorda Police Detectives and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on September 12, 2025, for an enforcement sweep in the City of Punta Gorda targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco/nicotine products to minors. The operation included compliance checks of a total of seven (7) local commercial establishments within the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Six (6) establishments were in compliance, and one (1) was not.
The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR are:
- Ice House Pub (408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- Downtown Gatorz Bar and Grille ( 502 King St., Punta Gorda)
- FM Dons (201 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda)
- Leroys Southern Kitchen (201 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda)
- Shorty’s Place (306 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda)
- TT’s Tiki Bar (33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- The one (1) commercial establishment that was not in compliance and DID SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR is:
- Celtic Ray (145 E. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda)
This operation was the result of a continuing partnership between ABT and the Punta Gorda Police Department to curb the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco/nicotine to minors.
The Punta Gorda Police Department, Drug-Free Charlotte County, and ABT will continue to work constructively with retail establishments where violations occur to ensure that employees are educated regarding Florida law.
Chief Pamela R. Smith urges all individuals to report the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to law enforcement. Violations within the incorporated city limits of Punta Gorda can be reported to the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941)639-4111. Operations such as this will continue.