The Carroll County liquor board fined three businesses after they were caught selling alcoholic beverages to minors.
In each case, Charles Kaizer, liquor inspector, used underage police cadets to gauge compliance in places where alcohol is sold. They were instructed to purchase alcohol and to show Maryland state identification if requested.
J&G's Gourmet Marketplace, 2441 Baltimore Blvd., Finksburg, was fined $300 and will have its liquor license suspended for two days next month after selling a six-pack of beer to a 19-year-old cadet without asking for identification April 1, according to a written decision released by the Board of License Commissioners.
On June 23, Ye Old Package Goods, 887 Sandusky Road, Sykesville, sold beer to a 20-year-old cadet without asking for identification and was fined $500.
The board also fined Wagner's Corner, 2600 Liberty Road, Westminster, $250 for selling a bottle of beer to a 20-year-old cadet May 8 without requesting identification. Board member Jerry Gooding, however, commended the establishment for "offering a wonderful facility to the community over the past several years," according to a written decision by the board.
The three members of the board found that no violation had occurred at Winfield Liquors, 1707 W. Liberty Road, Westminster, although a 20-year-old cadet succeeded in purchasing a quart bottle of beer. The employee who sold the alcohol checked the cadet's identification but failed to recognize he was younger than 21. When he realized his mistake, the employee found the cadet in a car outside the store and tried to get the beer back. The cadet refused and the beer was kept as evidence.
