Liquor board hears police report on overserving as staff warn 14-day statute limits enforcement

Lieutenant Nick Chaunas reported to the Liquor Control Committee that the Police Department documented six incidents this month, four categorized as overserving, including an alleged firearm display at an establishment and several patrons so intoxicated they required transport or medical attention.

The monthly report, delivered during the committee’s meeting, said officers completed criminal investigations where appropriate and used liquor-establishment check forms in overserving cases. "This month, I have 6 incidents to report on, 4 of them being overserving," Chaunas said.

Committee members pressed for details on evidence-gathering. When asked whether officers review video to determine whether patrons consumed prior to arrival, Chaunas said officers rely on their assessments and that staff-initiated calls from establishments were a positive indication that businesses are reporting concerns.

A staff member told the committee a recent change in state law creates a short window to bring administrative violations forward. "They made it 14 days from the alleged violation, which really is a tight" timeframe, the staff member said, referring to the statute discussed at the meeting. The speaker said that 14-day limits have complicated the city’s ability to use administrative routes and left criminal prosecution as an option staff do not prefer.

The committee did not take a formal enforcement vote at the meeting. Staff said they are consulting with the City Attorney and considering whether to pursue the Attorney General’s office or other legal options to preserve enforcement avenues.

What happens next: staff indicated they will follow up with the City Attorney and Nancy Morris to determine options for bringing violations forward under the statutory time limit.