News Summary

Hammond police have escalated efforts against underage drinking after an 18-year-old was found unconscious in a church post consuming alcohol from a local bar. The bar staff faces multiple charges for selling alcohol to minors, highlighting serious community concerns regarding compliance with underage drinking laws. Legal implications are forthcoming as the local law enforcement continues to address this pressing issue. The incident exemplifies the need for strengthened accountability among bar establishments to protect the youth.

Hammond Police Crack Down on Underage Drinking After Teen Found Passed Out in Church

Hammond police have intensified their efforts to combat underage drinking following a disturbing incident involving an 18-year-old found unconscious in a local church. The investigation began on August 8 when police discovered personal belongings and clothing on a sidewalk, leading to the search for Richard Clementi, a teenager who was later found asleep inside the First Christian Church’s sanctuary.

Upon being located, Clementi revealed to authorities that he had consumed alcohol at The Brown Door Bar the night before. He admitted to purchasing drinks directly from bartenders, which prompted police to secure a search warrant for the establishment’s surveillance footage. The review of video evidence showed alarming practices; staff at The Brown Door Bar sold a total of 116 alcoholic beverages to underage patrons over a period of just three hours.

Legal Consequences for Minors and Bar Staff

The fallout from this investigation resulted in legal implications for both Clementi and the bar staff. Richard Clementi received a summons for unlawful purchase and possession of alcohol. In addition, the bar’s owner, Patrick Broussard, age 57, was summoned for allowing a disorderly place that facilitated underage drinking.

Multiple bar employees face serious charges as well. Sydney Elise Mitchell, a 20-year-old, was charged with an astonishing 115 counts of unlawful sales to a minor. Tristan Michael Stravinsky, 21, was charged with 10 counts for purchasing alcohol on behalf of minors. Another employee, 22-year-old Michael Samuel Cuccia, faced a charge for one count of unlawful sale to a minor.

State Oversight and Future Actions

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) has been informed of the incident and may pursue further administrative actions against The Brown Door Bar. This investigation underscores the ongoing efforts of Hammond Police to enforce underage drinking laws in the community.

Previous Compliance Checks

Hammond Police have recently conducted compliance checks within the city and cited two other businesses for violating laws related to underage alcohol sales. These routine checks underline the department’s commitment to curbing underage drinking and ensuring public safety within the community.

Community Impact

With incidents like this raising alarms about underage drinking, local law enforcement continues to pursue proactive measures. Such actions are aimed not only at addressing current violations but also at preventing future occurrences. The situation involving Richard Clementi serves as a troubling reminder of the potential dangers associated with underage drinking, exacerbated in this instance by the irresponsibility of local bar staff.

As the investigation moves forward, the consequences faced by individuals involved in this case may serve as a cautionary tale for both patrons and establishments in Hammond. The ongoing struggle against underage drinking remains a critical focus for law enforcement as they work to protect the community’s youth.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WDSU: Hammond Bartenders Arrested Underage Drinking Investigation
• New York Post: Louisiana Bar Busted After Teen Found Passed Out in Nearby Church
• KPEL 965: Hammond Underage Bar Bust
• WBRZ: Two Businesses Cited for Selling Alcohol to Underage Customers in Hammond
• Wikipedia: Underage Drinking

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.