FARGO (KFGO) – The monthly alcohol compliance checks in September were made at 41 Fargo bars and restaurants. Thirty-two passed. That’s a rate of 78%, which is considered good.
However, City Auditor Steve Sprague and members of the liquor control board were surprised, even shocked that nine businesses failed. Police Chief David Zibolski says there are things going on that the board and others may not know about.
He says there are bars known to underage drinkers where scanners are not used or where they can be served without an ID. Zibolski says in those cases, there doesn’t seem to be much emphasis on the importance of making sure there are no violations.
One of the bars failed the check for the second time this year. A first offense can cost the owner a $500 penalty. A second violation is $750. A third failure is a $1,000 penalty. A fourth offense within a year is a suspension of the liquor license.
