UA homecoming: 96 liquor law violations, 43 arrests
by A.J. Flick on Oct. 30, 2008, under Education, Local, SpecialThere were more than Wildcat fans and alumni keeping an eye on homecoming events last weekend.
Six investigators from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control and officers from the University of Arizona and Tucson police forces joined to look for underage drinking and other liquor law violations.
In all, 96 violations – including 43 arrests for underage drinking – were noted, according to the liquor board.
“Homecomings are huge events,” said Tim Black, deputy director of the liquor board, “thousands of people, multiple locations and miles of ground to cover.
“Law enforcement presence plays an important role in how the weekend goes. When students see a lot of officers, they may think twice before doing something illegal.”
Investigators and officers began working on Thursday evening before Saturday’s homecoming game and worked until the early morning hours Sunday.
Sixteen liquor law violations were incurred at licensed businesses, 17 were arrested for a false ID or other ID violation, 11 violations resulted from problems with a business license status and seven violations were issued for businesses operating with an expired license.
Businesses that sell or give liquor to a minor for the first time can get fines of up to $2,000 and have their liquor licenses suspended for 30 days, according to the liquor board.
Those who allow a minor to have liquor, if convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, can face up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Underage drinkers on a first offense, if convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, can be jailed up to six months, have their driver’s licenses suspended for six months and fined up to $2,500.
To report underage drinking or the sale of liquor to minors, call the Underage Drinking Hotline, 877-NOT-LEGL (877-668-5345).
———
The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control Web site:
