7.a Hearing on Big Marine Lake Liquor License violation
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: November 16, 2021
To: City Council
From: Brenda Eklund, City Clerk
Re: Hearing on Liquor License Violation at Big Marine Lake Liquor Store
Background:
• On June 18, 2021, Big Marine Lake Liquor Store failed an alcohol compliance check
conducted by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, when an employee completed a sale
of alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
• On October 5, 2021 the defendant appeared in court and entered a plea of guilty to the
charge of providing alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The agreed upon dispositions
was a fine of $387 including surcharge and 90 days in jail, with all 90 days suspended for
one year on the condition to be law abiding and have no same or similar offenses.
• Scandia’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 110, Liquor Regulations, provides that the City
Council hold a hearing on a violation of the ordinance or applicable statutes, to consider the
violation and the proposed penalty, and hear any person who may wish to speak. On
October 25, 2021 Big Marine Lake Liquor Store owner Patrick Reicherts was notified that
the city would hold the hearing on November 16, 2021.
• § 110.31 of the Ordinance specifies that for a first violation within any three-year period the
minimum suspension is at least one day in addition to any criminal or civil penalties which
may be imposed. A minimum civil penalty of $500 must be imposed in addition to any
suspension for a first violation unless the license is revoked.
Recommendation: The City Council should hold the hearing, allowing representatives of Big Marine
Lake Liquor Store and any other persons to speak. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Council
should make findings regarding the violation and impose the appropriate penalties. A draft
resolution has been prepared for the Council’s use. The minimum penalties have been included in
the draft but may be altered by the Council. The Council will need to determine the date on which
any suspension will be served.