The Safety and Licensing Committee in Appleton on Oct. 8 heard six demerit-point appearances from establishments that received violations for serving minors, with proprietors describing new procedures and equipment intended to prevent future errors.

Committee Chair Chris Croat said the appearances were to give business representatives a chance to “explain what happened, and what you put in place to address this from happening in the future.” The six appearances on the agenda represented establishments that have accumulated 80 demerit points so far, the chair said.

Art Houston, who gave his address for the record as 2948 West First Avenue, apologized for the violation at Eager Beaver Bar and Grill and described immediate changes: “It’s not acceptable. Our tender dropped the ball, and that’s on me,” Houston said, and told the committee he purchased a $300 ID scanner and posted visible notices where IDs are checked.

Stacy Hoffman of Jim’s Place said she was the server who made the error and asked the committee to consider her long experience behind the bar: “I misread it, thought he was going to be 22. I even wished him happy birthday. I clearly made a mistake and I’m sorry,” Hoffman said. She told aldermen the business will use a daily dated portable sign and refresh staff training.

Bridal Tomaszewski, representing Empty Pockets, said the employee involved has been terminated and that the establishment has visible ID-check signage and renewed staff emphasis on checking dates on IDs.

Aaron Sloma, co-owner of Parker John’s Barbecue and Pizza, said the server who failed to card a patron was new and the company has begun carding every customer across locations: “You walk in, you’re 65 years old, you’re gonna get carded at Parker John,” Sloma said, calling the measure an “over‑correction” intended to prevent jeopardizing the business’ alcohol license.

Regina Heckman of Urban Modern Kitchen said the employee who recorded the wrong date has been fired and described multiple internal safeguards, including pre-shift reminders, posted “check ID” signs and an electronic verification button in the point-of-sale system that requires staff to confirm an ID check when ringing alcohol.

Legal counsel and committee members reminded attendees that the committee’s role at these appearances is to hear explanations and corrective steps; no changes to demerit points were made at the meeting. Chair Croat noted that repeated violations carry escalating ramifications and thanked the representatives for appearing and explaining their corrective steps.

The committee then moved on to other agenda items, including an action-item discussion on a mechanical amusement-device license.