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Liquor License Review Board June 6, 2014 1
Liquor License Review Board
June 6, 2014
City Hall – City Council Chambers
401 Independence Street
2:30 p.m.
Present: Lori Meyer, Human Resources Manager, Chief Review Officer
Steve Cook, Assistant Public Works Director
Charles “Speedy” Wagoner
City Staff Present: Lt. Barry Hovis, Police Department
Others Present: Scott Blank, Bi-State Oil Co., d/b/a Southern Convenience Store
Call to Order
Ms. Lori Meyer called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
Introduction and Opening Comments
Ms. Meyer introduced the Board and explained the rules of order for addressing the
Board.
Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made by Mr. Wagoner, seconded by Mr. Cook, to approve the minutes of
the November 20, 2013, meeting.
Motion approved. 3-0. Aye, Cook, Meyer, Wagoner. Nays, none.
COMMENTS, DISCUSSION & VOTING
Review of appeal of recommended suspension of Bi-State Oil Company, d/b/a
Southern Convenience Stores, 612 S. Sprigg Street
a. Ms. Meyer called for Public Comment from the floor. Seeing none;
b. Ms. Meyer called for Applicant Comment.
Mr. Scott Blank, owner of Bi-State Oil Company and operator of Southern
Convenience Store, addressed the Board. He reviewed at length the actions
taken by his business and the employee education that has taken place since the
previous violation to insure compliance with liquor laws. Changes included
implementing BARS Program for self -regulation and self-compliance checks for
selling alcohol to minors, starting We Card program to card anyone who
purchases tobacco or alcohol, providing quarterly training seminars of employees
by the Cape Police Department, and starting an internal disciplinary program for
employees who sell to minors. To verify the actions he has taken, he presented
results of the Bars Program and the Bi-State Training Schedule for managers
Liquor License Review Board June 6, 2014 2
and employees. Mr. Blank said he has met with Police Chief Blair and Officers
Hickey and Couch to discuss what else he could do in his business to prevent
underage sales. In addition, he is working with the Police Department to
establish a Coffee with Cops program so citizens can talk to police officers about
issues at their locations. September is National We Card Month, and he is
creating an awareness month for all city retailers.
c. Ms. Meyer called for City Staff comments
Lt. Barry Hovis of the Cape Girardeau Police Department appeared and stated
that all statements made by Mr. Blank were accurate. The reason for the 14 day
suspension was for three violations that occurred in a short time period. Lt.
Hovis stated that Mr. Blank has been a leader in staff training, that he has more
things in place than most stores in the city, and Mr. Blank is doing everything he
can to prevent this issue from reoccurring. Based upon this, he and Police Chief
Wes Blair would be comfortable with whatever actions the board decides to take.
d. The Board reviewed and discussed information provided.
Mr. Wagoner questioned how citations are issued when there are violations for
selling to minors. Lt. Hovis explained that a clerk who sells to a minor is issued a
citation to appear in court. If the clerk is found guilty, he can get a fine or jail
time. In addition, the licensee of that business is responsible for the activities of
that business, and under State Statute the owner can be fined , suspended or
revoked for actions at his store. In addition, the State of Missouri is no longer
doing liquor control checks.
The Board commended Mr. Blank on his steps to ensure compliance but also felt the
number of violations warranted action. A motion as made by Mr. Wagoner, seconded
by Mr. Cook, to reduce the Liquor License Suspension of Bi-State Oil Company, d/b/a
Southern Convenience Stores, 612 S. Sprigg, issued by the City Manager on April 1,
2014, from 14 days to 12 days, and that the suspension not extend over two weekends.
Motion approved. 3-0. Aye, Cook, Meyer, Wagoner. Nays, none.
Adjourn
A Motion was made by Mr. Wagoner, seconded by Mr. Cook to adjourn.
Motion approved. 3-0. Aye, Cook, Meyer, Wagoner. Nays, none.
Meeting ended at 4:05 p.m.
Minutes taken by:
Gayle L. Conrad
Director of Citizen Services/City Clerk