Knox County Beer Board fines Murphy Express $1,500 for second alcohol compliance violation

The Knox County Beer Board on Monday assessed a $1,500 civil penalty to Murphy Express, 8616 Fork Station Way, after a sheriff's office compliance check found an employee sold alcohol to an underage person.

Board Chair opened the March 31 meeting and the clerk read the item. The Knox County Sheriff's Office told the board that on Feb. 24, 2025, officers conducted an alcohol compliance check at Murphy Oil Express and the establishment sold an alcoholic beverage to an underage person after an ID check. Director Mike Moyers administered the oath to witnesses.

James White, district manager, acknowledged the violation and described corrective steps. "We have reset the training on all the age restricted products at the business, had the team retake all the training," White said. He also told the board "there's actually even a brand new manager at that location that kinda coincided around this time frame." White said the business would not contest the matter before the board.

Commissioner Jay noted the board's policy for a second offense: a $1,500 fine or a 60-day suspension. Jay moved to assess the $1,500 fine; Commissioner Oster seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion carried on a 6-0 vote.

After the vote, the chair said the clerk would send a letter with follow-up direction and recommended training resources from the Metropolitan Drug Coalition. The chair also told White that staff would follow up with further direction.

The board's action is a civil administrative penalty under the local beer-board enforcement process; no criminal plea was entered for the business during the hearing.