Friday, December 2, 2016

The Fastest Ways To Commit A Liquor License Violation

By Betty Nelson


Business owners who want to sell alcohol, packaged or by the drink, have to apply to the city they are operating in. The request usually goes before a commission or board that then approves or denies the application. Officials base a lot of their opinions on whether or not they believe the business is likely to commit a liquor license violation. Many restaurant owners believe the ability to serve alcoholic beverages to their customers will increase their profits. New Mexico restaurants, for instance, are eager to offer patrons more than just food.

The rules and regulations regarding selling alcohol vary from state to state. One of the most fundamental rules found throughout the country and one that you, as a business owner, don't want to break is selling to minors. The individual may have identification and look old enough, but still be too young. If you have any question at all, you should err on the side of caution and refuse service.

One of the rules that has changed over the years is how culpable you can be if you serve or sell to someone who is clearly intoxicated. Most businesses have signs stating they have the right to deny service to anyone. If you knowingly sell a bottle or a drink to someone who has already had too much and the person gets involved in an accident, you might be held liable.

Casinos are one of the exceptions to rules about gambling and alcohol. Gambling is illegal in many states and, unless your licenses state otherwise, you are not allowed to permit slot machines or card games played for money in your establishment. If you have a nightclub and you want to have live entertainment, you will have to petition the city when you initially get licensed.

Disagreements in bars are not unusual, but you must take measures to see that you are running an establishment with a no tolerance rule. Offenders should be ejected and ordered off the property. If you have too many disruptions at your business, your permits might be revoked. Illegal drugs can never be permitted if you want to keep your business open.

Although it may seem like harmless fun and a good promotion, you shouldn't have contests with free alcohol as a prize. You should also avoid letting anyone running a bar tab, allowing patrons to order drinks on credit. You need to get a credit card, and put the cost of each drink on that.

You can't transfer a license to someone else or try to obtain a permit for someone else. Owners who decide to expand their space, or reduce it, will have to have their plans approved and may see some of the permit rules change as a result. A felony conviction is cause for revocation as well as refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.

Having the ability to offer alcoholic drinks in a restaurant or store can be great for your business, but you have to be careful to follow the law. If you lose your permit, you will probably have trouble getting it back.




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