A joint operation between the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and the McMinnville Police Department resulted in nine citations to businesses selling alcohol to minors. 

According to a press release from both departments, the operation was conducted on March 17 as a way to ensure businesses were following the Tennessee law regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages. The current law requires an individual to be 21-years-old or older to purchase any type of alcoholic beverage. 

Underage operatives went to 37 businesses and attempted to purchase alcohol. Out of the 37, nine were cited for selling alcohol to a person under 21. Three of the businesses were in the city limits and six were in the county. 

The nine businesses cited were: Hometown Market located at 306 Beersheba St., Mystic Market located at 1002 Old Shelbyville Hwy, Hinas Market located at 2615 Nashville Hwy, JR Market located at 4765 W. Greenhill Rd., Four Lane Market located at 3932 Sparta Hwy, Green Hills Market located at 10497 Smithville Hwy, Morrison Market located at 10012 Manchester Hwy, Morrison Marathon located at 7853 Manchester Hwy and Quick Shop located at 7824 Manchester Hwy. 

McMinnville Police Chief Nichole Mosely was proud of the 28 businesses who did not sell to minors, but says there is room for improvement. 

“I commend the businesses that did not sell alcohol to minors. It is good to see that there weren’t that many that did, but as a community must do better and get that number to zero,” said Mosley. 

According to the release, both departments plan to continue these operations in the future to ensure the safety of minors and confirm that the law is being followed.