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Council imposes fines and short suspensions after liquor compliance check failures at two restaurants
Summary
After two compliance-check failures, the Mound City Council approved a 7-day suspension and $2,000 civil penalty for Casamigos and a 1-day suspension and $500 fine for Daruma Restaurant; both matters were uncontested.
The Mound City Council on Jan. 28 approved two resolutions imposing civil penalties and short liquor-license suspensions after compliance checks found sales to underage decoys.
Kevin Kelly, the city clerk, told the council that the checks conducted Oct. 13 revealed failures at two establishments. “Casa Amigos has paid the $2,000 fee already,” Kelly said, and the packet contained a resolution to impose the penalty and a seven-day suspension for a third violation within the citythree-year cycle. The agenda contained a typographical error listing a three-day suspension; council members corrected that to seven days before voting.
The council approved the resolution for Casamigos (third violation in a three-year window) by voice vote. Owner Luis Ortiz addressed the council and apologized: “I just wanted to say I'm sorry and apologize.” Ortiz discussed the difficulty of managing multiple restaurants and asked about education for employees.
The council then considered Daruma Restaurant, which Kelly said had its first failure. Owner Ying Alvarez told the council she was ashamed and described internal changes: her staff will double-check IDs and the restaurant posted a date calendar at the bar. The council approved the Daruma resolution imposing the statutory minimum civil penalty of $500 and a one-day suspension.
Council and staff discussion focused on enforcement, training and practical prevention steps. Speakers urged licensees to require MLBA (Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association) training, to use point-of-sale or handheld ID scanners, and to post a sign stating “we ID everyone.” One business representative noted MLBA training costs about $300 a year; staff and business owners discussed point-of-sale entry of birthdates and printed job aids for staff.
City staff said notices had been provided and neither establishment requested a contested hearing, so both violations were treated as uncontested findings and processed by resolution.
Why it matters: City liquor code penalties escalate by the number of violations in a rolling three-year period. A fourth violation in that period can lead to revocation, council members warned.
Votes at a glance: - Casamigos Mexican Restaurant: Resolution approving a $2,000 civil penalty and seven-day suspension (third violation in a three-year period). Council approved the resolution; Casamigos has already paid $2,000. - Daruma Restaurant: Resolution approving a $500 civil penalty and one-day suspension (first violation). Council approved the resolution.
