Beer board auditor: sample showed sizable CAS-class noncompliance; most named permittees now compliant

The Knoxville Beer Board heard on Feb. 17 from internal auditor Savannah Kirk that a review of required alcohol-seller (CAS) training records turned up significant prior noncompliance but that enforcement steps have since yielded results.

Kirk told the board she sampled roughly half of the city’s 747 active beer permits and found that “of that 50%, 34% were noncompliant,” which she said translated to “roughly a 126” permits in the sample that lacked current CAS completion. She said the audit and its highlights are in the board packet and that the clerk and inspector coordinated certified letters and outreach to the named permittees.

“Since then ... the clerk of the beer board has been sending out certified letters to noncompliant permittees and communicating with both the beer inspector and the revenue office to ensure everyone’s in communication and to try and get those individuals compliant,” Kirk said. She told the board that, as a result of those steps, the permittees who had been listed on the agenda “had received those letters” and had attended the class and come into compliance.

The board did not take enforcement action at the Feb. 17 meeting on the basis of the audit report; Kirk said the detailed lists of noncompliant permits and recommendations are included under the report’s highlights for future follow-up. The clerk confirmed the board has begun using the beer fund to cover postage costs for certified mail to noncompliant permittees.

The board’s discussion acknowledged the audit findings and the subsequent outreach; no formal motion tied to specific sanctions was made at the meeting. The auditor and staff indicated the matter remains on future agendas for any additional follow-up the board may order.