(PUNTA GORDA AREA) The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Juvenile Operations Unit conducted business alcohol compliance checks Wednesday evening of 16 Punta Gorda area businesses. A total of 15 were in compliance; one was not, and one clerk was arrested.
Deputies arrested clerk Steven Lee Bates, 23, 27085 Sunnybrook Road, Harbor Heights, on a charge of Sale of Alcohol to a Person Under 21. He works at the Raceway gas station/convenience store, 6077 U.S. 17, east of Punta Gorda.
Bates sold Sparks 6-percent alcohol to the Investigative Aide and did not ask for identification. He was transported to the Charlotte County Jail, booked, and release on $500 bond. The CCSO Juvenile Unit will continue its unannounced checks for alcohol compliance.