Restaurant in B.C. Penalized $7,000 for Selling Beer to Underage Patron.

The Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch of British Columbia has imposed a $7,000 fine on a restaurant in Abbotsford for serving beer to a minor.

During a hearing conducted by branch delegate Andrew Paul Devine, it was revealed that an inspector and an underage agent visited Wings Tap and Grill on Sumas Way on December 6, 2023.

The minor entered the establishment and seated themselves at a table approximately six to 10 feet away from the inspector.

Upon being approached by the bartender, the minor was offered a menu and asked for their order. The bartender also inquired about the inspector’s preferences, to which she responded that she was awaiting a friend.

In the meantime, the minor was served a beer.

“She wasn’t asked for ID before the beer was brought to her table. Subsequently, the minor agent left the premises,” Devine stated.

Taking the minor’s place, the inspector informed the bartender that they had served alcohol to a minor. The bartender mentioned she was about to request identification.

“The inspector informed her it was too late. ID verification had to be done prior to delivering the product,” ruled Devine.

Devine noted that the restaurant provides training on alcohol service alongside meals, along with obligations to refrain from serving individuals under 19 years old or those displaying signs of intoxication. Additionally, the company conducts policy quizzes.

Company policies and procedures also mandate immediate termination for serving alcohol to a minor or failing to adequately check identification before serving or selling alcohol. Signage enforcing ID requirements is also in place.

Devine mentioned that the server in question hadn’t undergone the mandatory two-week shadowing period, as mandated by company policy.

“Instead, it seems she was left unsupervised after her initial shift, with the expectation that other employees would guide her,” Devine remarked.

Devine highlighted that the licensee didn’t meet the criteria for demonstrating due diligence.

“The licensee failed to establish sufficient training and other protocols to prevent the violation of selling alcohol to a minor in this instance,” Devine commented.