Liquor Control Commission October Underage Compliance Report

SPRINGFIELD – In October the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) conducted compliance checks around the state and visited 145 businesses licensed to sell liquor.  They cited 38 licensees for violations of liquor control laws.  Seventy-four percent of the licensees visited complied with Illinois liquor laws and refused to serve underage customers.

This report is a result of ongoing undercover and cooperative law enforcement operations conducted by Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) agents and local law enforcement officials and volunteers from high schools and colleges.  The teams randomly visit liquor stores, restaurants and bars in communities around the state to check for ongoing compliance with state laws mandating that no liquor is sold to minors under the age of 21. ILCC agents also work with local and state law enforcement agents to focus on communities with a high incidence of underage liquor sales.

Danville – On October 27, 2011 the ILCC and the Danville Police Department conducted underage alcohol compliance checks in the City of Danville. Of the 26 licensees checked, six sold alcohol to ILCC underage participants. Those licensees were:

• Sarge’s Tap, 409 E. Main, Danville
• The Uptown Tap 625 N. Vermilion, Danville
• Turtle Run Golf Club, 332 E. Liberty Lane, Danville
• Stroud Liquor’s, 418 S. Gilbert, Danville
• Sycamore Lanes, 107 W. Harrison, Danville
• Main Street Bar & Grill, 509 E. Main, Danville

Franklin County – On October 6, 2011, an ILCC Special Agent assisted by ISP District 13 conducted a “Back to School” Underage Compliance Check at 26 businesses in Franklin County.  Six of the targeted businesses failed.  The licensees that failed were:

• Iron Horse Tavern   206 E. Franklin St., Sesser
• Casey’s General Store # 2053   202 S. Park St., Sesser                                                                     
• Pizza Hut   639 W. Main St., Benton                                                                                                       
• La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant   110 Jackson St., Benton                                                                    
• Days Inn   711 W. Main St., Benton 
• Maddie’s Pub & Grub    14960 Hwy 37, Johnston City    

Lawrence, Jasper and Richland Counties – On October 20th, 2011 the ILCC and the Illinois State Police District # 12 completed underage alcohol compliance checks in Lawrence, Jasper and Richland Counties. Of the 17 alcohol compliance checks made, six sold alcohol to ILCC underage participants. One licensee was charged with Criminal damage to Property after destroying an ILCC underage participant’s driver’s license. Those licensees were:

• Hanks Tavern, Rte. # 2, Lawrenceville
• El Rancherito, 211 S. West Street, Olney
• R & K Party Supply, 801 S. Whittle, Olney
• Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet, 948 S. West Street, Olney
• Newton Bottle Junction, 812 S. Van Buren, Newton
• Westside Lounge, 111 S. Jackson, Newton
• The Bottle Hut of Noble, 153 West North Ave., Noble (Criminal Damage to Property)

Macon County – On October 26, 2011, an ILCC Special Agent assisted by Deputies from Macon County Sheriff’s Office conducted an Underage Compliance Check at nine businesses in Macon County.  Two of the targeted business failed.  The licensees that failed were:

• Bourbon Barrel Lounge, 1355 N. Illinois Route 48 Suite7, Decatur
• Hot Spot, 1108 W. Eldorado, Decatur

St. Clair and Madison Counties – On October 6, 2011, an ILCC Special Agent assisted by ISP District 11 conducted a “Back to School” Underage Compliance Check at 17 businesses in St. Clair and Madison Counties.  One of the targeted businesses failed.  The licensee that failed was:

• Phillip 66, 5404 Collinsville Rd., Fairmont City 

Taylorville – On October 27, 2011, an ILCC Special Agent assisted by police officers from the Taylorville Police Department conducted an Underage Compliance Check at 19 businesses in Taylorville.  Seven of the targeted business failed.  The licensees that failed were:

• Rout Mart, 120 W. Park St., Taylorville
• Casey’s General Store # 2938, 401 N. Cheney St., Taylorville  
• Sonny’s Place, 1610 W. Spresser, Taylorville
• Loading Zone,  2100 W. Spresser, Taylorville
• Kroger J-888, 201 E. Bidwell, Taylorville
• Round Table, 102 E. Park, Taylorville
• Cork N Keg, 123 E. Main Cross, Taylorville   
 

Vermillion County – On October 13th, 2011 the ILCC and the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department conducted underage alcohol compliance checks in Vermilion County. Of the 13 compliance checks made, six licensees sold alcohol to ILCC underage participants. Those licensees were:

• The Other Place II, 119 S. Chicago, Rossville
• Colonial Pantry # 10, 502 N. Oakwood, Oakwood
• Casey General Store # 1555, 521 S, Main, Rankin
• Boone’s Fire House, 104 S. Main, Rankin
• Hoopeston Convenience Food Store, 714 W. Orange, Hoopeston
• Ted’s Home Beverage, 101 W. Main, Hoopeston

White, Hamilton and Gallatin Counties – On October 20, 2011, an ILCC Special Agent assisted by ISP District 19 conducted an Underage Compliance Check at 18 businesses in White, Hamilton, and Gallatin Counties.  Four of the targeted businesses failed.  The licensees that failed were:

• Tequila’s Inc # 2, 1616 West Main St., Carmi
• Casey’s General Store # 1970, 1320 W. Main St., Carmi
• Rock Bottom, 1109 W. Main St., Carmi
• TJ’s, 811 W. Main St., Ridgeway 

For information about the disposition of cases resulting from previous compliance checks, please visit the Illinois Liquor Control Commission's website.