Board halves late-fee penalty for Ernie's Place, gives 60 days to pay

The Carroll County Board of License Commissioners voted to reduce late fees owed by Ricky Lee Jones, operator of Ernie's Place, after hearing that state alcohol tax arrears had been paid and the licensee had put new accounting measures in place.

Jones told the board he and his co-owner discovered unpaid alcohol taxes, resolved the comptroller hold and arranged a new accountant. He said the delinquencies were the result of management errors and asked for leniency. Board members reviewed the case and several commissioners described Jones's long history as a licensee and his assurances that the problem would not recur.

A motion to reduce the late fee penalty by 50 percent was made and approved. The total assessed late fees, originally $1,150, were reduced to $575 and must be paid within 60 days. Commissioners said the reduction reflected mitigating circumstances but emphasized that a future failure to pay taxes or meet board deadlines could prompt stricter enforcement.

Board staff confirmed Jones filed his renewal application on time and that the board's late-fee policy triggers a $50-per-day charge after the April 20 cutoff when state clearance has not been obtained. The board's action was a reduction of the administrative penalty; members noted the county retains authority to pursue unpaid liabilities if the reduced amount is not paid on schedule.

Jones thanked the board and said he would meet the timetable.