Hefty fine for Pappadeaux after 3rd liquor violation
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, in the 700 block of West Algonquin Road in Arlington Heights, will pay a $20,000 fine and have its liquor license suspended for three days, after being caught in a police sting last summer, officials said.
Pappadeaux - where one of its servers gave a beer to an underage police "plant" - and several other establishments were sentenced in a liquor commission hearing last week.
It was Pappadeaux's third liquor violation this decade, which landed it the harshest sentence. Its other two violations were in 2002 and 2005.
The restaurant picked Thanksgiving, Christmas and Jan. 1 as the days it will not sell liquor, said Diana Mikula, assistant village manager in Arlington Heights. The restaurant will be open those days but no alcohol will be served.
Village President Arlene Mulder, who like most mayors is also the village liquor commissioner, said she could have revoked Pappadeaux's license, which would mean no liquor could be served for at least a year.
But there were several factors that entered into her decision to impose a hefty fine instead, she said.
Pappas Restaurants Inc., the owner of Pappadeaux, has strong systems in place to avoid violating liquor laws, including frequent checks by secret diners to be sure everyone under the age of 35 is carded, said Mulder. The company also immediately fired the server who erred.
She also took into account the state of the economy, the fact that the restaurant employs about 130 people and that the last violation was four years ago.
However, she said Pappas will have to work harder to remind servers of their responsibilities.
The Houston-based company does not plan any appeal, said Christina Pappas, spokeswoman.
"Pappas Restaurants is very happy to be in Arlington Heights, and we feel the mayor and her staff handled this situation very fairly," she said.
The Arlington Heights Police Department hired people under 21 to visit establishments and try to buy alcohol. License holders were warned in advance by letter that the compliance checks were planned.
Seven violators were found among the 102 establishments that were checked, said Mulder. Last year 18 violators were found.
Mulder said she takes these violations very seriously because studies show that underage drinking is a matter of life and death, especially if the youngsters also drive.
"Alcohol is the leading killer of teenagers," said the mayor.
• Barnaby's Family Inn on the 900 block of West Rand Road decided to stop selling liquor for five days rather than pay a fine, and had a previous violation in 2002.
• Wild Fish Sushi Restaurant in the first block of South Arlington Heights Road was fined $1,000 and had a previous violation in 2006.
• Extra Value Liquor in the 1400 block of West Rand Road was fined $1,500, and also had a prior violation in 2006.
• Arlington Lanes of the 3400 block of North Kennicott Avenue and Osco Drug Store on the 100 block of Vail Street were both fined $500.
• The Grand Station Restaurant and Cocktails, 100 block of West Campbell Street, was fined $800.
Besides the fines, license holders are required to pay the costs of the hearings.