Business owners in the Tampa area often look forward to the surge of activity that comes with Gasparilla season. The festivities traditionally kick off with the Children’s Gasparilla Parade in late January, followed closely by the main Pirate Fest. However, the season is a marathon, not a sprint, extending through the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February and the International Film Festival in March.
By the time the parades begin, local businesses have already filed their permits with the city. Yet, the work doesn’t end with the application. For those serving beer, wine, or spirits, the period of peak expansion is when the risk of liquor license errors is highest. This is the critical window for a professional compliance audit to ensure that citations don’t overshadow the season’s success.
What are the main risks?
Discrepancies between the information on a paper permit and the operational reality of a high-volume event can lead to costly citations. If the actual setup of a licensed premises such as a temporary tent or expanded patio does not align perfectly with the sketch provided when filing form ABT-6029, the vendor is at risk. Unapproved floor plans and deviations from filed sketches frequently lead to administrative fines and license suspensions during what is often the most lucrative month of the year.
The other primary concern involves temporary staffing. Bringing in seasonal bartenders and servers to handle the Gasparilla crowds carries inherent risk. Florida’s dram shop laws hold businesses responsible for the actions of their workers. If a temporary employee fails to properly check identification or over-serves a patron amidst the chaos of a crowded outdoor environment, the business faces direct liability and severe penalties.
Ensuring compliance throughout the season
Sales are only one metric of a successful season. Vendors must ensure they don’t just maximize revenue, but also protect their long-term standing with the state to ensure they still have their liquor license long after the pirates leave town.
Vendors concerned about discrepancies in their temporary expansion or worried about the efficacy of their security and service standards should contact Rubert Law immediately. Our firm provides comprehensive license compliance audits to help ensure that the excitement of Gasparilla season doesn’t lead to major financial penalties, litigation, or permanent business setbacks.