Saturday, November 27, 2010

Underage Consumption of Alcohol Causes Problems for Many

The problem of minors obtaining alcohol is an ongoing problem everywhere. In McHenry County the State's Attorney's Office, the County Board, including its Liquor and License Committee chaired by County Board member John Hammerand, the Underage Drinking Task Force created by Chairman Koehler and led by Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Williams, and the McHenry County Sheriff's Department have spearheaded an ongoing joint effort to address the problem.

Recently the liquor license of one establishment, Rachina-1 Inc. d/b/a Mobil Speed Mart, 4407 S. Highpoint Road, McHenry, was revoked by the McHenry County Liquor Control Commission following three separate offenses of selling liquor to a minor during an eight month period by the same employee. A fine was paid by the business for the first two offenses but on the third offense within an eight month period by the same employee a decision was made to revoke the liquor license.

The Illinois Liquor Control Commission reinstated the liquor license for the local business by reducing the punishment imposed by the local authority to a temporary suspension. The McHenry County State's Attorney's office appealed that decision to the Appellate Court on behalf of the McHenry County Liquor Control Commissioner, Chairman Koehler. The prosecution was argued on appeal by Assistant State's Attorneys Sarah Jansen and Jamie Rein. The Appellate Court affirmed the decision of the McHenry County Liquor Control Commission to revoke the liquor license of Rachina-1, Inc.

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