Patch Burlington, MA --The Burlington Board of Selectmen censured two restaurants after they failed a police sting that tested compliance with under age drinking laws.
Burlington Police Chief informed the board during Monday's meeting that during the semi-annual compliance check conducted in April local restaurants Lester's Roadside Bar-B-Q and Mr. Chan's Asian Bistro both failed. According to Kent, on April 30 police had an underage undercover male enter the restaurants and attempt to order a beer.
An employee at Lester's sold the underage male a Pabst Blue Ribbon and a server at Mr. Chan's sold him a Bud Light.
Attorney Stephen Nelson, representing Lester's, told the board the restaurant has a policy of checking everyone who appears to be under 40 years old when they attempt to purchase alcohol. He said the the server in question had not been through the necessary training though since the incident the restaurant has implemented a new policy to ensure all employees meet all training requirements.
The employee who served the underage male has since been relieved from her position.
Nelson said that this is the first offense by Lester's during its eight years in business.
"[Owner Doug] Schafer deeply regrets having to be here this evening," he said. "It is important to him as the owner that employees comply with alcohol procedures."
Lester's Roadside Bar-B-Q will not be able to serve alcohol on Monday, July 1. Since this is a first offense the suspension of the liquor license will last for one day. If the restaurant is cited again the penalty will be more severe.
Attorney Thomas Murphy, representing Mr. Chan's, was at the hearing with owner Walter Chan. He said the business first got its liquor license this past February. He said the server who gave the drink to the underage male normally works at a different restaurant owned by Chan that doesn't serve alcohol. He said as a result she was put on a three-day suspension.
"There are no excuses and she understands that she messed up," Murphy said. "Walter was reluctant to fire her – so she was suspended for three days. She understands that if ever a next time she will be let go."
Murphy said that since the incident the restaurant has tightened its policies and now cards anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 if they attempt to buy alcohol.
"Mr. Chan is sorry we are here this evening," he said. "He is doubly committed to make sure this doesn’t happen again."
Mr. Chan's Asian Bistro will also not be allowed to sell any alcohol on Monday, July 1. This was the restaurant's first violation.
Members of the board were disappointed with the two violations and highlighted the fact that no business, restaurant or wholesale retail location, has failed a compliance check in over three years.
"Let's make this the last time," Chairman of the Board Robert Hogan told the restaurant owners. Reported by Patch 17 hours ago.