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Three establishments explain first‑offense alcohol compliance failures; council reminded of ordinance penalties
Summary
Three on‑sale liquor licensees — Giovanni's Pizza, El Tapatio, and Golden Palace — explained steps to prevent future violations after failing recent compliance checks; city attorney reminded the council that the ordinance allows fines and potential suspension for repeat offenses (second offense $1,000 minimum; third $2,000 minimum).
City clerk Bernay Larson called three businesses before the Willmar City Council to explain measures they will take after failing recent alcohol compliance checks.
Andrew Knight, co‑owner of Giovanni’s Pizza, said the business re‑educated staff about carding, placed age‑verification calendars at the counter and will emphasize carding through the remainder of the license period; he added the owners decided not to renew the liquor license when it expires in August 2025. “No matter if you have any question whatsoever, you should be carding them,” Knight said, describing changes the business has made.
A translator spoke for El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant and said the owner plans staff training and enrollment in responsible‑service classes; staff noted the previous recorded violation dated to April 2019, and the city clerk confirmed that violations reset after three years so the current incident qualifies as a first offense.
An employee from Golden Palace, who identified herself as May, said the staff had checked an ID but miscalculated the birth date. She described adopting a procedural change to make age verification easier and said Golden Palace will arrange training with the police department. Councilmembers emphasized the importance of training and proper ID checks.
City Attorney Robert Scott reminded the council of the ordinance’s penalties: a second violation within three years triggers a minimum $1,000 fine and a third violation carries a minimum $2,000 fine; subsequent offenses may lead to license suspension or revocation proceedings. The establishments were required to explain measures to prevent future violations because these were first offenses under the ordinance; no fines or suspensions were imposed that night.
