Liquor board summons restaurants that sold to minors

LIHU‘E — Based on allegations their employees sold liquor to minors in mid-January, representatives of seven restaurants will be summoned to appear before the Kaua‘i Liquor Control Commission.

Members of the commission Thursday voted unanimously to issue summonses to appear for hearings on the cases to representatives of Brick Oven Pizza in Kalaheo, Keoki’s Paradise in Po‘ipu, Grinds Espresso in ‘Ele‘ele, Pizzetta in Koloa and Market Street Diner, Par 4 Da Course and Mariachi’s Mexican Cuisine, all in Lihu‘e.

Those establishments are the seven of 15 where underage girls from O‘ahu were allegedly able to buy liquor, without showing photo identification or being asked if they are 21 or older, in a compliance-check operation conducted Jan. 15.

There were eight people arrested for prohibitions, in this case allegedly selling liquor to people under the legal drinking age of 21, during the operation.

All of those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In other action, the commission unanimously approved applications filed by leaders of Lihu‘e Chevron and Koloa Town Chevron to allow those gas stations’ convenience stores to begin selling beer and wine.

Also, Olde Cannery Fuels on Kawaihau Road has been fined $250 for violating commission orders.

John Halter of Pizzetta in Old Koloa Town agreed to pay a $500 fine after admitting that a single manager of that establishment failed to clear tables of alcohol at closing time, sold or consumed alcohol before or after hours of business, and drank or entertained patrons while on duty.

Halter said that employee was terminated and escorted off premises as soon as Halter found out about the infractions.

Additionally, the restaurant’s Industry Nights, where the bar stays open later than usual two nights a week in order to allow those who work at other bars, restaurants and hotels to come in for food and drinks once they have finished work, have been discontinued, said Halter.

Halter also said he held a meeting with staff to review liquor laws, rules and regulations, and that in the 10 years Pizzetta has operated in Koloa, there had been no previous violations.

Eric Honma, director of the county Department of Liquor Control, said a bill at the state Legislature that would mandate liquor training for all employees at licensed establishments likely will not pass this session.

Such a bill would have had “significant impact” on both licensees and the department, as training classes cost $40 per employee, and the department with minimal staff would have had a difficult time keeping up with that training requirement.

• Paul C. Curtis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@kauaipubco.com.