Press Release
June 12, 2025
Punta Gorda Police and ABT Teamed Up for Underage Alcoholic Beverage/Tobacco Enforcement Sweep
Punta Gorda Police Detectives and State Investigators from the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT) Bureau of Law Enforcement teamed up on June 12, 2025, for an enforcement sweep in the City of Punta Gorda targeting the sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco/nicotine products to minors. The operation included compliance checks of a total of seven (7) local commercial establishments within the City of Punta Gorda licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. Four (4) establishments were in compliance, and three (3) were not.

The commercial establishments that were in compliance and DID NOT SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO A MINOR are:
- CVS (1949 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- The King of Vape (1826 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- City Vapor & E-Cig (1600 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
- Dollar General (1300 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda)
The three (3) commercial establishments that were not in compliance and DID SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TOBACCO/NICOTINE PRODUCTS TO A MINOR are:
- Harbor Smokes (Nicotine) (2310 Tamiami Trail #1105, Punta Gorda)
- PGI Liquor (Alcohol) (615 Cross Street, Punta Gorda)
- 420 Smoke Shop PG (Hemp) (205 Wood Street, Punta Gorda)
This operation was the result of a continuing partnership between ABT and the Punta Gorda Police Department to curb the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco/nicotine to minors.
The Punta Gorda Police Department, Drug-Free Charlotte County, and ABT will continue to work constructively with retail establishments where violations occur to ensure that employees are educated regarding Florida law.
Chief Pamela R. Smith urges all individuals to report the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to law enforcement. Violations within the incorporated city limits of Punta Gorda can be reported to the Punta Gorda Police Department at (941)639-4111. Operations such as this will continue.