Algonquin eatery fined $2,000 for selling booze to underage drinker

The owner of an Algonquin restaurant was fined $2,000 Tuesday for serving alcohol to an underage drinker, months after a surprise police compliance check that took place in December.

Through his attorney, John Wesolowski, owner of Wine & Roses Restaurant, pleaded guilty to the charge.

As part of the negotiated plea, Wesolowski also agreed to pay court costs and to implement training through the state's Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training program for employees who are not current with their status.

“Just pass on to John we hope you're never seen here again, as was the case a long time ago,” Algonquin Village President John Schmitt, also the liquor commissioner, told Bill Hellyer, Wesolowski's attorney.

Establishments typically have between 30 and 60 days to pay the fines and fees, Algonquin Police Chief Russell Laine said.

The eatery was among five businesses accused of violating the village's liquor code during similar compliance checks held on Dec. 19.

The other businesses had their day with the liquor commission in February, but the hearing for Wine & Roses was delayed due to Wesolowski's health issues, Laine said.

During the compliance checks, underage agents posed as customers and tried to buy alcohol from the establishments.

At Wine & Roses, an employee was accused of selling beer to one of the agents.

The eatery had not been fined since 2006, when staffers were accused of passing out coins that customers could redeem for free drinks, Laine said.

Before 2006, the eatery's liquor license had been revoked once and suspended three times.