JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three men were arrested outside EverBank Field on Monday for selling liquor without a license. What surprised undercover state agents looking for alcohol violations and underage drinking outside the Gator Bowl was what the men were selling: moonshine.
The men were initially charged with selling liquor without a license, but they could face more serious, felony charges because they were selling homemade liquor, which is illegal to possess or sell in Florida.
The bust is perhaps the most unusual made by agents of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, on patrol at the Gator Bowl, the Champs Sports Bowl and the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.
They will also be looking for alcohol violations Wednesday at the Orange Bowl in Miami.
The agents, who did give five citations for underage drinking at the Gator Bowl, said they're not trying to spoil people's fun, but trying to keep everyone safe.
"That's always our main focus: underage drinking, public safety," Lt. Sean Macmaster said.
The state regularly partners with local law enforcement at major public events in an effort to keep alcohol and tobacco out of the hands of underage people and ensuring that licensed establishments are in compliance with the laws and rules.