Chili's in Eldersburg fined $300 after underage compliance check; manager to proctor staff training

The Carroll County Board of License Commissioners on June 27 found Brinker of Carroll County Inc., doing business as Chili's Bar and Grill in Eldersburg, culpable for selling alcohol to a minor and assessed a $300 fine.

Inspector William Ledley told the board that on May 2 at approximately 4:23 p.m. an underage volunteer sat at the bar, ordered a Bud Light and was served. "The bartender who served her identified herself as Jessica Spears. Miss Spears failed to ask to volunteer for identification and served her the beer," Ledley testified. The volunteer later texted the inspector to report the sale.

Chili's counsel, Leanne Schreckengost of Royston, Mueller, McLane & Reed, told the board the company accepts responsibility, has terminated the server named in the violation and held an immediate meeting with staff to re‑emphasize company carding policy. She said managers have been conducting spot checks and that nearly all team members have obtained state‑approved alcohol‑awareness certification, with one remaining whose training was pending. She also said the general manager, Thomas Hanson, has applied to be a ServSafe proctor so he can administer in‑person, state‑approved testing locally.

"She was terminated, unfortunately, due to company policy," Schreckengost said of the server, adding that Chili's had refreshed staff training and posted signage reminding employees of carding requirements. Ledley said a follow‑up compliance check the night before the meeting passed and that the location had passed five prior checks, making this the first noncompliance during his inspections.

Commissioners accepted the mitigation steps and voted to find the licensee culpable and assess a $300 fine payable within 30 days. "Finding of this commission is that a fine of $300 is payable within 30 days," the chairman said. Commissioners said they welcomed the restaurant's cooperation and corrective measures and declined to suspend or revoke the license.

Why it matters: Carroll County enforces server‑level accountability through a local diversion program and through fines; the board highlighted the county program and urged licensees to make employees aware that server names are forwarded to the State's Attorney for diversion consideration.

What happens next: Chili's must pay the $300 fine within 30 days of official notice and continue implementing staff training and proctoring plans; the board kept the proceedings public as a record of corrective action taken by the licensee.