KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

The Honorable Board of License Commissioners met today with the following present: Roy W. Crow, Scott D. Livie, and William W. Pickrum, presiding.

Mauritz Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, was also in attendance.

VIOLATION
C-TOWN LIQUORS & DELI (JC'S LIQUORS & DELI, INC.)

In response to a report dated September 11, 2003 received from the Alcoholic Beverage Inspector relating to an alleged violation of the alcoholic beverage laws Article 2B, Section 13-101 (2)(i), of the Annotated Code of Maryland as to failure to have an individual certified in Alcohol Awareness Training present during the hours of retail business, an administrative hearing was held at 9:45 a.m. Susanne Hayman, County Attorney, was in attendance as well as Mauritz Stetson, Alcoholic Beverage Inspector, and John Krastel, Jr., Licensee, and his wife, Sandy.

Mr. Stetson and Mrs. Krastel were sworn in by Ms. Hayman for giving testimony. Mr. Stetson reported that during a routine inspection on Saturday, August 30, 2003, at approximately 12:30 p.m., he observed that the sole three employees working on the premises were not trained in Alcohol Awareness. Mr. Stetson inquired of the employees as to the location of the log sheet to which the employees indicated that they were not aware of a log sheet or of its purpose. Mr. Stetson reported that one of the employees advised Mr. Stetson that Mrs. Krastel had been on the premises earlier in the day, but due to a health concern in her family, Mrs. Krastel returned to her home. Mr. Stetson reported that because the store had many customers waiting for service, he, being certified, stayed on the premises and called Mrs. Krastel at her home and learned from her about the health concern at her home and her reason for leaving the store's premises.

Ms. Hayman, citing Mr. Stetson's letter to the Krastel's, asked Mr. Stetson to explain the alleged violation, the law requiring logging in and out, etc. Mr. Stetson explained that the certified employee on the premises must sign in and out with the date and time on the log sheet and that the purpose of the log sheet is the means by which State law provides for the consideration of such emergency circumstances.

Commissioner Livie emphasized the importance of logging in and out.

Mrs. Krastel replied that due to the sickness of her family member, the designated employee could not be present, that she is aware of the importance of logging in and out, and that the absence of a certified employee on the premises does not normally occur at her store.

Commissioner Pickrum inquired as to the history of violations at C-Town Liquors & Deli, to which Mr. Stetson responded that the violation in question is the first of its kind at this store.

Commissioner Livie excused himself from participating further in the hearing's deliberation indicating that there is a conflict of interest since Mr. Krastel is a client of his health insurance company.

Mr. Stetson advised that all employees should be aware of the location and purpose of the log sheet. He indicated that for a first offense of this kind of violation, the fine is $50.00.

A motion was made by Commissioner Crow to impose a fine in the amount of $50.00, which was seconded by Commissioner Pickrum and passed by the majority of the Board.

There being no further business to claim their attention, the Board adjourned to meet again on Tuesday, September 30, 2003.

THE BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
OF KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND

Janice F. Fletcher
Executive Assistant

Approved:
William W. Pickrum, President

Please contact Ileana Lindstrom or Janice Fletcher at (410) 778-7435 or by e-mail with any questions or comments.