Hotel Faces Consequences After Underage Alcohol Sale Incident

During a recent meeting of the Beverage Licensing Authority, representatives from the Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn addressed a violation involving the sale of alcohol to a minor. The incident, which occurred at the hotel’s market, was acknowledged by attorney Brian Prophet, who emphasized the hotel’s commitment to responsible alcohol service and community involvement.

Joseph Steyskal, the area managing director, provided details about the hotel’s extensive training programs for staff, including retraining for the employee involved in the violation. He noted that the employee, Marcus Homan, had been disciplined and retrained after mistakenly selling alcohol to a minor despite checking identification. The hotel has since implemented stricter policies to prevent future incidents, including a new procedure for verifying birth dates at the point of sale.

The board members discussed the implications of a potential suspension of the hotel’s liquor license, which could significantly impact upcoming community events, including fundraisers and conferences. The hotels are heavily involved in local activities, hosting numerous events that benefit various organizations. Given the unique circumstances, including the hotel’s proactive measures and community role, the board considered a fine in lieu of a suspension.

After deliberation, the board voted to impose a three-day suspension of the liquor license, with the possibility of a fine instead, recognizing the hotel’s efforts to mitigate the situation and the potential negative impact on the community. The decision reflects a balance between accountability for the violation and consideration for the broader implications on local events and community engagement.