If you’re planning to go to South Padre Island for Spring Break, here are some guidelines you may want to keep in mind to stay out of trouble.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission provided The Rider with the following information.
Minors who lie about their age to buy alcohol risk being cited with a Class C misdemeanor andaAny adult providing alcohol to a minor may be subject to a Class A misdemeanor charge with the same consequences of a fine up to $4,000 and a year in jail.
TABC will incorporate operations called “minor stings,” which will consist of undercover teams of TABC agents accompanied by a minor attempting to purchase alcohol from a retailer. If the sale is complete, employees involved in the sale will be cited with a Class A misdemeanor charge and the retailer will be notified of the violation.
The commission has about 220 enforcement agents across the state and will be “all hands on deck,” Chris Porter, the TABC’s public relations officer, said in a phone interview from Austin.
Agents will be at most major travel corridors between universities such as the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University down toward the Texas coast.
“For the Spring Breakers, as always, you know, go out there and have fun, but be sure to be safe,” Porter said. “Keep an eye on your surroundings. Don’t let your drink out of your sight, and just make sure you get back to class and stay safe.”
The Island will also see help from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas Rangers.
In total, 186 law enforcement officers will be on the Island during Spring Break, all equipped with body cameras and electronic ticket devices.
Several SPI staff members also have licenses to operate drones.
“We will be using [drones] in a myriad of ways,” City Manager Susan Guthrie said. “One of those is to observe crowds. We won’t be flying over crowds, but possibly adjacent to crowds observing just to keep everyone safe.”
In a news conference last Tuesday, SPI Police Department Lt. Juan Herrera provided tips on how to stay safe during Spring Break:
–stay with friends at all times;
–do not drink beverages left unattended;
–do not drink and drive;
–use the city’s public transit services, such as Island Metro and taxis;
–ensure property is locked and secure.
The lieutenant also said the use of golf carts have become more popular than ever, but visitors must remember to follow all traffic laws when using them, including wearing seat belts and not driving on bike lanes.
During his 22-year career with the Police Department, Herrera said underage drinking is the most common crime he has seen during Spring Break. The second is driving while intoxicated.
In a meeting last summer, the SPI City Council approved a short-term rental ordinance for individuals who are planning to rent a condominium for a large crowd.
The ordinance prevents renters from making a profit out of house parties. Herrera said fines could add up to $2,000 per offense.
“I want them to come down here and enjoy,” he said. “If there’s a necessity for any emergency services or anything else, dial 956 761-5454, but if it’s an emergency, dial 911.”
From March 1 to April 30 last year, the department received 5,176 calls for service. Of those, 1,123 incidents were reported, including 721 arrests and 234 motor vehicle accidents.
Herrera said the Island saw more than 13,000 vehicles commuting for Spring Break last year.
—Jesus Sanchez contributed to this report.
