Blaine suspends liquor license for 10 days after third compliance failure

The Blaine City Council on March 3 voted to suspend the on‑sale intoxicating liquor license for Best Taste of Faison for 10 consecutive days after the establishment failed a city compliance check, the city clerk said.

City Clerk Sorensen told the council the compliance check, conducted Dec. 13, was one of 68 performed that day and that Best Taste failed; the clerk said the city code allows suspension, revocation or civil penalties and that a third violation within a two‑year period requires a 10‑day suspension.

Council Member Newland read a statement submitted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, saying in part, "Mothers Against Drunk Driving believes that ending impaired driving is a shared responsibility ... When businesses, lawmakers, and communities work together, we can reduce impaired driving and save lives." Newland said the statement strengthened his support for the required penalty.

Council Member Mesolia moved to suspend the license for 10 consecutive days; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote. The clerk said police staff would work with the licensee to select the consecutive days for the suspension and that no criminal charges resulted from the compliance check.

Clerk Sorensen noted the licensee was not present at the hearing. The clerk's packet included the compliance report, the police incident report, and a responsible‑alcohol‑sales statement submitted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The council’s action was procedural: it implemented the city code penalty for a third violation within two years and did not impose additional discretionary sanctions at the meeting.