The owner of a Pensacola liquor store was arrested Wednesday after an undercover investigation determined she was selling alcohol from a drive-up window even though her beverage license was revoked in November 2009 for not obtaining a health department certification.
Mary Brasher Pearson, 72, of 920 63rd Ave., Pensacola, was charged with three counts of sale of alcoholic beverage without a license. This is a second degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine on each count.
Pearson is the owner of Nob Hill, 3107 E. Cervantes St.
The arrest occurred after undercover agents conducted several buys over the past few months at the business after receiving a tip she was selling alcohol. Officers determined Pearson sold alcohol from the drive-up window and that customers did not go inside Nob Hill for purchases, said Lt. Mike McVicker, who supervises the police department’s Vice and Narcotics Unit.
A search warrant was executed Wednesday at Nob Hill by undercover officers from the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco and the Pensacola Police Department Vice and Narcotics Unit.
Approximately $15,000 worth of alcohol found inside Nob Hill was seized Wednesday during the search warrant, McVicker said.
No additional arrests are anticipated.
