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Liquor board fines Red Lobster after inspectors say 17‑year‑old was served; license put on probation
Summary
At an April 13 Frederick County Liquor Board hearing, the board found Red Lobster admitted a January 16 sale to a 17‑year‑old and imposed a $3,000 fine, a three‑week suspension (two weeks eligible for buyback), three years of probation, and mandatory staff training.
The Frederick County Liquor Board on April 13 imposed penalties on the Red Lobster restaurant following an admission that an employee served alcohol to a 17‑year‑old.
The board heard that on Jan. 16, 2026, a minor entered the restaurant and attempted to purchase a Bud Light; inspectors found the server did not request identification. Attorney Leanne Shrekenos, representing Red Lobster, told the board, “we do admit to the violation.” Inspectors identified the server and reported the employee was not alcohol‑awareness certified at the time of the sale.
Board staff noted the license has three sales‑to‑minor incidents on record: a 2015 incident, a 2021 incident, and the January 2026 incident. Staff recommended enhanced penalties because this latest matter constitutes a third offense in the licensing record. The board accepted a motion to impose a $3,000 fine, a three‑week suspension with one week to serve and two weeks eligible for buyback at $1,000 per week, a $250 administrative fee, and three years of probation for the license. The board also ordered mandatory violation‑prevention training for all staff involved in alcohol service, with classes offered May 5 and June 2 and completion requested by June 2; staff must register within seven days.
In response, Red Lobster representatives described steps they have taken since the incident, including terminating the employee involved, instituting a double‑check process for IDs at point of sale, daily briefings for staff (“lobster talks”), and sign‑off sheets to document training. District manager Sean Armstrong said the company has retrained staff and reinforced a policy to card customers who appear 40 or younger. Still, attorney Shrekenos asked the board to avoid a suspension or allow buyback if one were imposed, arguing a closure would disproportionately harm employees.
The board noted the license history and the compliance record when setting the penalties and directed staff to follow up with the licensee on payment and class scheduling within 24–48 hours. Staff said the training requirement targets day‑to‑day managers and front‑of‑house staff and that out‑of‑state license holders could be excused from in‑person training if approved by the board. The board’s action will stand unless further administrative challenge is filed.
