Five St. Petersburg bartenders face charges after underage drinking sting

ST. PETERSBURG — Five bartenders were arrested Thursday night during a police crackdown on underage drinking downtown.

St. Petersburg police said they received complaints about some restaurants and bars selling alcohol to people under the age of 21, and on Thursday they used young volunteers in a sting at 14 different locations. The underage patrons were allegedly served alcohol in five bars.

Five people were charged with selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21.

John M. Young, 42, bartender at Mastry's; Molly McCoy, 22, bartender at Crowley's Downtown; Wesley Cardinal, 33, bartender at The Avenue; Brittany A. Barber, 25, bartender at Ringside Cafe; and Christopher Gorby, 35, bartender at Ruby's Elixir.

On first offense, selling alcohol to a person under the age of 21 is a second-degree misdemeanor, according to Florida statutes. It carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.