Fernandina Beach mayor admits to selling alcohol to minors

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A local mayor admits he sold alcohol to minors. And now he’s apologizing.

Mayor Johnny Miller told Action News Jax while bartending at the Palace Saloon (his other job) over the weekend, he served two minors during a sting. Action News Jax reached out to Miller for comment.

He sent us this statement.

"I made a mistake. I've worked as a bartender for over fifteen years and have never made a similar mistake. The laws are in place to protect against underage drinking, and I failed. It is imperative that those that serve alcohol take the time to recognize the age and condition of customers. I promise to do better."

Miller said it happened during Shrimp Fest – one of the busiest weekends for the city. Something Susan and David Fortney noticed.

Only on Action News Jax a local mayor tells me he sold alcohol to minors.

“I made a mistake. I promise to do better.”

Watch FOX 30 at 10.
— Amber Krycka (@AmberANjax) May 7, 2019

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“It was extremely busy, so just an oversight, because it was so busy,” said Susan Forney.

But the mayor said that’s when he should be the most careful. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which included alcohol enforcement, there hasn’t been any violations on record.

“I guess everybody makes a mistake here and there,” said David Forney.

Mayor Miller also added that underage drinking is serious and he hopes other servers will be diligent as well.

Action News Jax reached out to the city manager who said it’s up to the state to decide if the mayor will face any penalties.

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