Owners say training, scanners and staffing changes followed violations; ask committee for measured penalty

Owners and their counsel emphasized corrective actions taken after the incidents described in both hearings. At Bennett O'Reilly's, owner Darren Householder said the business purchased multiple ID scanners and subscriptions (totaling about $3,784), implemented a three-day training process for staff, and terminated employees tied to the violations. "We'd… bought equipment that he bought, scanners, for the cost... it was over $3,000," Attorney Brent Smith and Householder described during testimony.

At Dells Bar, agent Tammy Plourde presented a bundle of policies, a 'binder of useful stuff' including Chapter 125, and statements of a strict 21+ policy and a 0% on-the-job drinking rule. Plourde told the committee she routinely reviews camera footage, conducts spot-checks and requires certification for bartenders; she also submitted letters of support and asked the committee to consider less-than-suspension remedies because staff rely on income and corrective steps are in place.