Only one of the eight Blue Ridge convenience stores licensed to sell package beer and wine is not accused of illegally selling alcohol last month.
Murphy USA was the only business not charged with underage alcohol sales as the result of a sting operation carried out by the Blue Ridge Police Department and Fannin County Sheriff’s Office in early December.
Blue Ridge Police Chief R.A. Stuart said last week that summons to appear in city court February 13 have been issued to clerks and license holders or their representatives at the seven locations. Stuart said the allegations represent the first offense for each of the convenience stores.
Penalties can range from probation to license suspension or revocation.
The sting was just the first step in what Stuart said will be a new direction for the police department as he sets priorities for the coming year.
A zero tolerance approach for alcohol, tobacco or vaping products being sold to minors, and stopping the excessive consumption of alcohol is at the core of the priorities.
Stuart said, “Blue Ridge was built and thrives on its family friendly atmosphere. Excessive use of alcohol does not reflect that atmosphere.”
Stuart said the department will also target businesses that over-serve alcohol.
“Alcohol license holders are expected to obey the law, and the police department’s job is to enforce the law,” Stuart said.
Motorists can also expect stricter enforcement of traffic laws, Stuart said.
The new priorities for the police department, “Are not about just writing tickets. They’re about public safety,” Stuart said. “Laws and ordinances are in place for that reason, but to work they have to be enforced,” Stuart said.
Charged in the sting operation were:
•Windy Ridge Conoco: Kelsey Doris Karry, clerk; Linda Sue Harvey, license holder;
•Rebel Pantry: James E. Allen, clerk; Naveed Tayyab, owner;
•Exxon at McKinney Road: Hannah-Gabrielle Love Boone, clerk; Elizabeth L. Latta, manager;
•Beer Barn: Bhavesltkumar Patel, clerk; Raval Kirankumar, manager;
•Valero: Sandeepkumar Patel, clerk and license holder;
•BP: Vipulkumar Prajapadi, clerk; Hareshkumar D. Patel, owner;
•Raceway: Robert L. Byrd, clerk; Rajyaguru Ritesh, license holder.
Stuart expressed his appreciation for the cooperation between sheriff’s office and police department to make the operation successful.
He reminded alcohol license holders that state officials can also do similar checks without any notice to local businesses or authorities.