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July 13, 2009: Alcohol Compliance Checks
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Alcohol Compliance Checks On July 3, 2009, Winthrop Harbor Police conducted alcohol compliance checks at eleven establishments in the village. Six out of the eleven sold alcohol to the department's intern who is over 18 and under 21 years of age. Five out of the six checked her ID, but still sold anyway, despite her ID showing that she is less than 21 years of age. One out of the six failed to ask for any ID prior to selling the alcohol. United Liquors, Time Out Sports Bar, The Tavern, The Other Place and Marathon Gas Station, clerks sold alcohol in violation of state law, and are subject to a fine of $250.00 or more. The establishments can face further action by the Mayor, including revocation of liquor licenses after and Adminstrative hearing. Chief Joel Brumlik expressed disappointment that despite the department's effort to educate local business on checking id's and the importance of not selling to anyone under the age of 21, that over half of the establishments failed the compliance checks. These compliance checks are done in conjunction with the Coalition of Healthy Communities and Lake County Health Department., under a grant obtained by the Coalition. This grant provides funds for compliance checks in Winthrop Harbor, Beach Park and Zion. "We have provided educational materials to our business and they are aware that these checks are randomly conducted. We obviously need to do more educating," said Brumlik. Mayor Robert
Loy said the village understands the hardship local business
is facing in this poor economy, but the safety of our children
and our community cannot trump the necessity that our business
comply with the law and not sell alcohol to anyone underage.
As liquor commissioner, I will use the Adminstrative hearing
process to ensure that any continued violation by Winthrop Harbor
liquor license holders will be met with swift and decisive action,
including revocation of the establishment's liquor license.
"We have an obligation not only to the citizens of Winthrop
Harbor, but to our neighboring communities to ensure that we
do our part in curbing underage drinking that has resulted in
just too many needless tragedies, "said Loy. |
| Note: Any person charged with an offense has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law. Persons named herein are merely alleged to have committed the offense(s) they are accused of. |