80 youths arrested on alcohol charges

Published 5:43 pm Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Officials say about 80 juveniles were arrested on alcohol-related charges at the Neshoba County Fair.

Kathy Waterbury, director of communications for the Mississippi State Tax Commission, said uniformed Alcohol Beverage Control officers made the arrests Friday and Saturday nights.

She says signs were posted on all of the entrances warning that agents were monitoring underage drinking.

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Waterbury says agents were at the fair under a federal grant to target underage drinking.

Agents arrested minors in possession of beer or hard liquor. Those charged with possession can receive up to a $500 fine, 30 days’ community service and a 90-day driver’s license suspension.

The annual festival in Philadelphia from last Friday through this Friday features food, music, games and political speakers.