3 businesses fail alcohol checks

The Carson City Nugget and the Country Store on Highway 50 East are in jeopardy of having their liquor licenses suspended after each recently received a second citation in a six-month period for serving alcohol to a minor.

According to Sheriff's Sgt. Brian Humphrey, among the 12 businesses visited during an alcohol compliance check Jan. 23, the Nugget, Country Store and Short Stop Market all served alcohol to the two underage decoys working with the Sheriff's Department.

A recent change in city code states that the city can fine business owners and revoke or suspend their liquor license if an employee is cited for selling alcohol to a minor.

An employee selling alcohol to a minor will receive a citation of $632 and be required to attend server training with the Carson City Sheriff's Department. The business owner will receive a $100 fine on the first violation and a $500 fine on the second violation. A third violation incurs a $1,500 fine, and the owner must appear before the Liquor Board with the potential of losing their liquor license.

On Jan. 16 the board fined the owners of the 7-Eleven on Airport Road $1,500 and suspended their liquor license for a week after a clerk was cited for a third time for selling alcohol to an underage decoy. .

It was the first time the city had used the new code aimed at cracking down on the sale of alcohol to minors.

Supervisors Shelly Aldean and Robin Williamson expressed concerns that the loss of the license is happening before the citation is contested in court.

A revised ordinance, which would set discipline after the employee is convicted in court, is scheduled to go before the liquor board next month, said Developmental Services Director Walt Sullivan.