Sheriff Mark Melton reports the Appling County Sheriff’s Office has completed OPERATION CORONA NEWPORT. After complaints of underage individuals purchasing alcohol and tobacco from businesses within Appling County, an investigation was initiated.
This led to 26 businesses being visited by undercover law enforcement personnel. Of these 26 contacts, 13 businesses sold alcohol and tobacco. Three (3) businesses only sold alcohol. One (1) business only sold tobacco. A total of 30 summons have been issued for these criminal violations.
Nine (9) stores refused to sell these items without proper identification. Sheriff Melton would like to commend Parker’s (Surrency); Dollar General (Surrency), Dollar General (Baxley); Dollar General (Graham); Walmart; Harvey’s, Davis’s Food Mart; Discount Corner Store and Baxley Beverage for not selling products during this investigation to underage individuals.
Underage consumption of alcohol can lead to problems at school such as lower grades, higher rates of absences and the inability to participate in certain activities; legal issues for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident; and medical illnesses. Tobacco use has also been linked to certain cancers.
Sheriff Melton reminds businesses everyone must be 21 years old to purchase alcohol and tobacco products.