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More than 100 people cited at American Legion party
Shreveport Police Department’s Vice Unit made a surprise visit to the Jones Hollingsworth American Legion Post #525 in the 1700 block of Jamison Street Sunday night.
Once there, they discovered dozens of underage alcohol violations and an unlawful cover charge being collected at the door.
According to city laws, private clubs can have parties with alcohol sales on Sunday with members and their guests. But they are not allowed to charge an admission fee, cannot sale alcohol past midnight and those present where alcohol is being sold must be at least 21 years of age.
A total of 100 people were given citations for alcohol violations, including 28 for being under the age of 21 and another 72 for having no identification. Of the 72 people who didn’t have an ID, 30 claimed to be "21 or 22."
Besides the citations that were issued, police arrested the organization’s commander, Michael B. Smith, 40, of 1100 block of Dunbriar. He was charged with collecting an unauthorized fee at the door and for allowing people under age 21 on premises where alcohol is sold. Other charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Vice officers responded to the American Legion location after receiving numerous call for service to the location and after complaints of traffic and other crowd-related problems.
The American Legion Post on Jamison Street is its own separate entity and is not affiliated with other American Legion Posts in the state.