ATC Announces Mardi Gras Crackdown

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Mardi Gras and drinking just seem to go hand in hand. This year, the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) will be out in force looking for folks who abuse that tradition. They will not only be keeping an eye on those who imbibe, but they will also be strictly enforcing sales of tobacco to minors during this Mardi Gras season.

Commissioner Troy Hebert has ordered ATC agents to hit the streets again this Mardi Gras season to ensure that alcohol, tobacco, and alternative nicotine products are being sold and served responsibly.

During Mardi Gras 2014, ATC agents conducted close to 230 compliance checks of businesses along parade routes statewide.  Of those businesses checked, ATC issued 69 citations for sales to underage persons.

From the official press release:

In the weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, business owners with ATC permits will be reminded of important alcohol laws and ATC is encouraging the owners to train their staff, obtain the required permits, and implement policies to ensure their business is fully prepared to handle the increased patronage that they are likely to receive.  One of ATC’s main focuses this year is making certain that businesses are educating their employees on the different types of IDs.  In Louisiana, driver’s licenses issued to persons under 21 are vertical and show the exact date that the person will turn 21 in red letters, whereas driver’s licenses issued to persons over 21 are horizontal.