Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Liquor Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board issues warnings after undercover compliance checks at three Bellingham establishments
Summary
After an undercover compliance operation in February, the Select Board issued first‑offense warnings today to Pizzeria Unos, Sol de Mexico and Bellingham Beer & Wine; managers described retraining, suspensions and new ID‑checking measures.
The Bellingham Select Board on April 6 directed staff to issue first‑offense warnings to three licensed establishments following an undercover liquor compliance operation conducted Feb. 19.
Detectives used a 20‑year‑old operative who was monitored while attempting purchases at multiple Bellingham businesses. At Pizzeria Unos the operative was served a White Claw without being asked for identification. Jason Robinson, general manager of Pizzeria Unos, told the board the server identified in the operation was suspended for a week and the restaurant has increased staff training. "This has never happened in our location before in three decades," Robinson said, noting the company is tightening procedures.
The same operative was served a Modelo at Sol de Mexico, where managers (Brenda and Jose) said they had suspended the server involved (Rosa Alvaro), held staff meetings and purchased an ID verification booklet to help spot falsified IDs. Sol de Mexico's representatives also said they pay for TIPS/ALC courses and regularly require server certification.
Bellingham Beer & Wine manager Neil reported his store upgraded ID‑scanning systems and retrained employees after the operative purchased a six‑pack of White Claw without an ID being checked.
Town police and staff reviewed the ABCC (Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission) guidance and told the board these incidents qualify as first offenses given the establishments' record and the ABCC's criteria. Board members said warning letters were the appropriate first step; staff will document the warnings and follow the ABCC's process for any repeat violations.
The board did not levy fines or suspensions at the meeting but emphasized strict compliance with acceptable ID types in Massachusetts. The police chief reminded managers that Massachusetts accepts a valid Massachusetts driver's license, liquor ID card, passport or U.S. military ID, and cautioned against relying on out‑of‑state licenses in liquor transactions.
