Liquor commission approves $1,000 fine for Mundelein convenience store after sale-to-minor citation

The Mundelein Liquor Control Commission recessed into a public hearing Jan. 27 to consider a compliance citation against Keane Corporation, doing business as Ramen Chicago Mundelein at 404 North Lake Street, after a periodic license compliance check resulted in a citation for sale of alcohol to a minor.

Village staff said the incident occurred Dec. 3, 2024, when an underage decoy purchased alcohol at the store. According to the presentation to the commission, the business has no prior liquor violations. Under an agreement proposed by staff and presented to the commission, Keane Corporation would pay a $1,000 fine and would not receive a suspension of its liquor license as this is a first offense.

Staff introduced the store’s new manager, identified as Tarumi Takita, and asked her to describe steps the business has taken to prevent a recurrence. Takita said the store provides sit-down training for new hires covering order-taking and “basic rules about serving alcohol,” pairs new hires with experienced staff for initial shifts and requires two manager-supervised shifts before an employee works alone.

The commission indicated staff would prepare an order for the mayor’s signature and that payment would be processed at customer service after the order is signed. Village staff said the agreement was contingent on the mayor signing the order and on receipt of the fine payment.

No suspension of the license was recorded in the hearing notes; staff said this resolution followed the commission’s recent direction in handling first offenses.

Ending: The commission moved to adjourn the Liquor Control Commission meeting later in the agenda; staff will provide the signed order and receipts when payment is processed.