March 4, 2026
The Punta Gorda Police Special Operations Section and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on March 4, 2026, 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 six (6) local commercial establishments in the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. All six (6) establishments were in compliance.
The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A MINOR are:
- Shorty’s Place (306 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
- Publix Liquors ( 2310 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- The Celtic Ray (145 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda)
- The Salty Tarpon (408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- Dollar General (1300 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- PGI Liquor (615 Cross Street, 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.