WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – A Winter Haven business owner is facing serious legal consequences after being caught illegally selling alcohol for the second time in six months.
Following an investigation, undercover detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office entered Da Place Hookah Lounge on two separate occasions in late October. Despite not having a license to sell alcohol, the lounge was found to be providing both liquor and beer to patrons.
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Two employees were arrested and charged in connection with the illegal activity. Wandy Noel, the operator of the establishment, faces felony charges for Maintaining a Business to Sell Alcohol Unlawfully. Sallie Henry, a bartender at the lounge, was also charged with the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages.
This incident marks Mr. Noel’s second arrest for similar offenses. Earlier this year, he was charged by the Lakeland Police Department for operating another business without a liquor license. In that instance, authorities seized over 300 bottles of illegally possessed liquor.
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“Two times in the past six months, Wandy Noel has attempted to illegally sell alcohol out of his businesses within Polk County. I would suggest to him that he try a different business strategy, because this one just isn’t working out for him,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
The illegal sale of alcohol at a commercial establishment is a third-degree felony in Florida, carrying potentially significant penalties.
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