Businesses face Algonquin liquor board after busts

Three Algonquin businesses caught selling alcohol to a minor during an undercover police sting pleaded guilty as charged Tuesday night to the village's liquor control commission.

Meanwhile, a fourth business accused of selling alcohol to an underage drinker asked for and was granted a continuance, set for Oct. 13.

In exchange for admitting guilt, 7-Eleven, Phillips 66 and One Stop Pantry and Liquor Store have to pay a $1,000 fine, court costs and enroll all of their employees in a state-certified alcohol training program.

All were first-time offenders.

"I can tell you that the fines get stiffer with the second offense," cautioned Liquor Commissioner John Schmitt, also village president.

A surprise alcohol compliance check on July 22 that targeted 17 Algonquin businesses, led to the charges being filed against four establishments.

"This kind of activity is avoidable," said Trustee Brian Dianis. "I'm disappointed to see so many people here."

But the commission saved its wrath for the owner of One Stop.

According to the complaint, the owner, Virendra Patel, is the one who sold a six-pack of beer to the minor after checking identification, whereas the other cases involved an employee.

Patel also is the one who will be responsible for teaching his workers about the rules of alcohol sales, said Trustee Robert Smith.

Smith put Patel on the spot, asking him to tell him the cutoff year to legally buy alcohol.

After a few seconds, Patel finally said 1988.

"I'm not confident that I understand that you understand what you're doing," Smith said. "We need the assurance that you're going to get this right."

Main Street Billiards Cafe asked for an extension because the employee who is alleged to have sold alcohol to a minor has not yet had his day in court or been found guilty of the charge, said owner Richard Geschrey.

Geschrey said he cannot fire that employee until that person is found guilty.

"We have a zero tolerance agreement with employees (caught selling alcohol to minors)," he said.

In that case, David B. Glasscock, 23, of the 100 block of Park Street in Algonquin and Michael D. Kluth, 25, of the 1000 block of Nottingham Lane in Crystal Lake, were charged with delivery of alcohol to a minor.