Elawyers Elawyers
Washington| Change
Find Similar Cases by Filters
You can browse Case Laws by Courts, or by your need.
Find 49 similar cases
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO, vs EASY WAY OF LIFE COUNTY, INC., D/B/A HOLLYWOOD UNDERGROUND, 99-002320 (1999)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Fort Myers, Florida May 24, 1999 Number: 99-002320 Latest Update: Jul. 15, 2004

The Issue The issues for determination are: (1) Whether Respondent violated Section 562.12(1), Florida Statutes, by selling alcoholic beverages in a manner not authorized by law and/or maintaining a place where alcoholic beverages were sold unlawfully; (2) Whether Respondent violated Section 561.29, Florida Statutes, by failing to comply with the terms set forth in a prior Final Order of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco; and (3) If so, what sanctions should be imposed against Respondent's alcoholic beverage licenses.

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Easy Way of Lee County, Inc., d/b/a Hollywood Underground, holds a bottle club license number 46- 03606, issued by the Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Department/Division) and has held such license since June 1995. Under this license, Respondent operates a bottle club known as Hollywood Underground (the licensed premises/the premises or Hollywood Underground) located at 16440 South Tamiami Trail, Unit 1, Fort Myers, Florida. At all times relevant to this action, Mattheos Milonas was the director, president, secretary, and treasurer of Easy Way of Lee County, Inc., d/b/a Hollywood Underground, and the holder of the above-referenced alcoholic beverage license. On or about February 12, 1999, Peggy Duffala, a special agent with the Department, organized an undercover on-site investigation of Hollywood Underground, based on a complaint that Respondent was in violation of certain laws pertaining to the sale of alcoholic beverages without a proper license. On February 12, 1999, Agent Duffala, and two other special agents of the Department, Agent David Perez and Agent Patrick McEnroe, went to the licensed premises to further the investigation. When Agent Duffala arrived, she conducted surveillance in the parking lot of the licensed premises for approximately one and a half hours. During that time, Agent Duffala observed patrons entering and exiting the premises, but saw no patrons entering the premises carrying alcoholic beverages or containers of any kind in their hands. On February 12, 1999, at or near 2:30 a.m., acting in an undercover capacity, Agent Perez and Agent McEnroe entered the licensed premises. Upon entering the premises, Agent Perez paid a $5.00 cover charge and received a wristband. Perez brought no alcohol into the premises with him on that evening. Once inside the licensed premises, Agent Perez went to the bar where he was approached by bartender Norman Vanderbiest. After Vanderbiest asked him what he would like, Agent Perez ordered a Budweiser beer. Vanderbiest retrieved the beer from the cooler behind the bar and gave Agent Perez the beer. After Perez asked how much the Budweiser cost, Vanderbiest responded, "$3.00." Agent Perez then gave $3.00 to Vanderbiest, who subsequently rang up the sale and placed the money in the cash register. At no time during the transaction described in paragraph 6 did Vanderbiest ask Agent Perez if he had brought any alcoholic beverages with him to the licensed premises. In fact, Agent Perez had not brought any alcoholic beverages into the licensed premises on August 12, 1999. Furthermore, prior to February 12, 1999, Agent Perez had never visited the licensed premises, and thus, had never taken any alcoholic beverages there. After Agent Perez purchased the Budweiser beer, he moved from the main bar area to the west end of the bar where he remained for about ten minutes. While situated at the west end of the bar, Agent Perez observed several patrons approach the bar and speak with Vanderbiest. Agent Perez was unable to hear what was being said but he observed Vanderbiest serve each patron an alcoholic beverage. After receiving the alcoholic beverages, each patron would then give Vanderbiest money. At no time during these transactions did Agent Perez observe patrons present cards to Vanderbiest to punch. Furthermore, Agent Perez did not see Vanderbiest check a logbook before he served alcoholic beverages to those patrons. From the west end of the bar, Agent Perez saw 10 to 15 patrons entering the licensed premises. During that time, Agent Perez observed that none of the patrons entering the premises brought alcoholic beverages with them. Agent Patrick McEnroe entered the premises on February 12, 1999, at about 2:30 a.m. Upon entering the premises, Agent McEnroe paid a $5.00 cover charge. Agent McEnroe brought no alcoholic beverages into the licensed premises with him nor did he receive a ticket or card to be punched. Once inside the premises, Agent McEnroe went to the bar and ordered a Bud Light beer from bartender, Norman Vanderbiest. Vanderbiest informed Agent McEnroe that the cost was $3.00, then retrieved a Bud Light beer from the cooler and handed it to Agent McEnroe. Agent McEnroe gave the bartender $3.00 for the beer. Agent McEnroe purchased three bottles of beer that evening. In none of these transactions did Vanderbiest ask Agent McEnroe if he brought any beer with him nor did he ask Agent McEnroe for a card to be punched. Later that evening, after Agents Perez and McEnroe exited the premises, Division agents, assisted by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, entered and raided the premises. During the raid, agents seized 571 containers of alcoholic beverages, $315.00 in cash from the cash register, and two notebooks. One of the notebooks seized was a log book containing entries listing alleged patrons' names along with an alcoholic beverage type, a number assigned to the beverage, and a date. The last entry in the log book was made on February 6, 1999, six days prior to the raid. Neither Agent Perez nor Agent McEnroe was listed in the logbooks. During the raid, Division agents entered the premises and arrested the manager of the club. Subsequently, the manager pled guilty in the Lee County Circuit Court to the criminal charge of keeping or maintaining a place, the licensed premises, that sold alcoholic beverages without a proper license on February 12, 1999. The licensed premises had procedures that governed how employees of Hollywood Underground were to accept and distribute beer and liquor brought into the premises by patrons. When a patron brought beer into the licensed premises, an employee of the club was to write on a card the number and kind of beer that the patron brought to the premises. Once this information was recorded on the card, the employee would give the card to the patron. After the club employee accepted the beer from and issued the card to the patron, in order for the patron to retrieve one or more of the beers, the patron was to present the card to the bartender. The bartender was to then give the patron the requested number of beers and punch the card the corresponding number of times, thereby indicating to both the bartender and patron the number of beers the patron had been given and how many remained. To facilitate ease in the dispensing of the beer, like brands of beer were commingled and placed in a cooler with other containers of identical brands. No attempt was made to designate or label containers of beer by the patrons who brought them into the premises. With regard to liquor, the policy of Hollywood Underground was that bottles of liquor brought in by patrons were to be identified in a manner to ensure that patrons were served liquor only from the bottles that they brought to the premises. In accordance with this policy, when a patron brought a bottle of liquor into the licensed premises, an employee of the club was to put a label on each bottle and write a number on the label. Next, in a log book, the employee was to write the number designated on the club's label, the kind of liquor, and the name of the patron who brought in that bottle of liquor. On February 12, 1999, these policies were not implemented by employees of the licensed premises as evidenced by the transactions involving Agents Perez and McEnroe. In the fall of 1998, Tom Lloyd, a videographer for Channel 6 television, followed Division agents into the licensed premises for purposes of an undercover television news story regarding illegal sale of alcoholic beverages by Respondent. Lloyd did not bring any alcoholic beverages with him to the licensed premises. Nevertheless, while sitting at the bar, Lloyd was approached by a bartender who solicited an order from Lloyd for an alcoholic beverage. Lloyd requested a rum and coke and was sold a rum and coke for $4.00 by the bartender. Prior to the Administrative Action which is the subject of this proceeding, three other administrative actions have been filed against Hollywood Underground for violations of Section 562.12, Florida Statutes. All of the three previously filed administrative actions resulted in disciplinary action against Respondent's license. Respondent was charged in two separate administrative actions (DBPR Case Nos. 46-95-0582 and 46-95-0089) with selling alcoholic beverages in a manner not permitted by license, in violation of Section 562.12, Florida Statutes. These two cases were resolved by combined Consent Order (Final Order No. BPR-96-02540), wherein Respondent paid a $5,000 civil penalty and agreed that its "agents, servants, or employees would not sell or supply alcoholic beverages to any person other than the patron who brought such alcoholic beverages onto the premises." Respondent also agreed to diligently "ensure that no alcoholic beverage would be dispensed to any person that did not bring such alcoholic beverage onto the premises." In DBPR Case No. 46-97-0890, Respondent was charged for the third time with selling alcoholic beverages in a manner not permitted by license, a violation of Section 562.12, Florida Statutes. This case was resolved by Consent Order (Final Order No. BPR-98-06888), wherein Respondent paid a $7,500 civil penalty and agreed to take corrective action regarding the unlawful sale of alcohol on the premises. Respondent agreed to prevent further occurrences of violations of Section 562.12, Florida Statutes. In paragraph 6 of the Consent Order, Respondent agreed and acknowledged that revocation of its alcoholic beverage license would be the appropriate sanction for any subsequent administrative action against the Respondent's license alleging failure of the Respondent to comply with the beverage laws.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is: RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered finding that Respondent committed the offenses alleged in the Administrative Action; that Respondent's alcoholic beverage license number 39-01181 be revoked; and that Respondent be assessed a civil penalty of $1,000 per count for a total of $2,000. DONE AND ENTERED this 16th day of February, 2000, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. CAROLYN S. HOLIFIELD Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of February, 2000. COPIES FURNISHED: Miriam S. Wilkinson, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Julius F. Parker, Esquire Pennington, Moore, Wilkerson, Bell and Dunbar, P.A. 215 South Monroe Street, Second Floor Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Joseph Martelli, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Barbara D. Auger, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007

Florida Laws (7) 120.57561.01561.11561.29562.12775.082775.083 Florida Administrative Code (2) 61A-2.02261A-3.049
# 1
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs CESAR J. REYES, D/B/A BUSY CAFETERIA BAR, 93-006995 (1993)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Miami, Florida Dec. 10, 1993 Number: 93-006995 Latest Update: Jan. 18, 1994

The Issue At issue in this proceeding is whether respondent committed the offenses set forth in the notice to show cause and, if so, what disciplinary action should be imposed.

Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, respondent, Cesar J. Reyes, held alcoholic beverage license number 23-05034, series 2-COP, for the premises known as Busy Cafeteria Bar (the "premises"), located at 4601 West Flagler Street, Miami, Dade County, Florida. In November 1993, Special Agent Joe Lopez of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, together with the assistance of a confidential informant (CI), began an undercover investigation of the premises. Such investigation was predicated on information Special Agent Lopez had received from federal authorities which indicated that narcotics were being sold upon the premises. On December 1, 1993, Special Agent Lopez and the CI entered the licensed premises. While inside the premises, the CI met with respondent and purchased a small plastic package containing 1/2 gram of cocaine for $30.00. On the same occasion, Special Agent Lopez met with respondent, and he also purchased a small plastic package containing 1/2 gram of cocaine for $30.00. 1/ On December 2, 1993, Special Agent Lopez and the CI returned to the licensed premises. While inside the licensed premises, they again met with respondent and purchased a small plastic package containing 1/2 gram of cocaine for $30.00. On December 7, 1993, Special Agent Brian Weiner of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco served respondent with an emergency order suspending his alcoholic beverage license, and placed respondent under arrest for the sale of cocaine. Incident to such arrest, Special Agent Weiner searched respondent's person and discovered six small plastic packages, each containing 1/2 gram of cocaine, in a small box tucked under respondent's waist band.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be rendered dismissing Counts 1 and 2 of the notice to show cause, finding respondent guilty of Counts 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the notice to show cause, and revoking respondent's alcoholic beverage license. DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 28th day of December 1993. WILLIAM J. KENDRICK Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 28th day of December 1993.

Florida Laws (6) 120.57120.60561.29823.10893.03893.13 Florida Administrative Code (1) 61A-2.022
# 2
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs. HARRY`S, INC., T/A NIGHT GALLERY III, 80-000899 (1980)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 80-000899 Latest Update: Jan. 09, 1981

Findings Of Fact The Petitioner has complained against the named Respondent pursuant to the accusations set forth above. The Respondent requested a formal hearing to be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes, but did not attend the hearing. However, the hearing having been set at Respondent's request was held and the Petitioner's case was presented. The Petitioner, State of Florida, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, is an agency of the State of Florida which has as its responsibility the licensure and regulation of beverage license holders in the State of Florida. Harry's, Inc., which trades under the name of Night Gallery III, is the holder of License No. 58-1036, Series 2-COP. This license allows the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises, located at 6010 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando, Florida. On November 15, 1979, Beverage Officer Nathan Cahoon entered the licensed premises of Harry's, Inc., to investigate alleged Beverage Law violations. He observed a woman on the stage dancing who was subsequently identified as Denice Dyer. Thereafter, she approached Officer Cahoon and asked him to buy her a drink, which he did. She advised him that she was supposed to "hustle" drinks but not sex. Subsequently, she offered to give Officer Cahoon a "lap dance" which he refused. She also offered to "screw" Officer Cahoon (meaning to engage in sexual intercourse) for $25.00 or $30.00, and suggested using a back room of the licensed premises (Counts 1 and 2). On November 15, 1979, Beverage Officer C. E. Cruce entered the licensed premises of Harry's, Inc., to investigate alleged Beverage Law violations. He was approached by a woman known as "Sissy," who offered to give him a "lap dance" for $5.00, which be accepted. To perform this "dance," "Sissy" straddled the lap of Officer Cruce and went through a series of gyrations while a record was playing. Her top was removed during this procedure, exposing her breasts, but not her nipples. Officer Cruce later observed "Sissy" dancing on the stage, where she had been summoned by the bartender. Officer Cruce was approached by a woman known as "Misty," who solicited a drink from him. He purchased a beer for her at a cost of $2.50, which was one dollar more than the beer he purchased for himself. He observed that she paid the bartender the money he gave her (Count 3). On November 15, 1979, Beverage Officer B. A. Watts, Jr., entered the licensed premises of Harry's, Inc., to investigate alleged Beverage Law violations. He observed a woman dancing on the stage who later became known to him as "Peaches." She approached Officer Watts and solicited a drink from him. He purchased a beer for her and paid the waitress one dollar more for the drink than he paid for his own (Count 4). "Peaches" also performed a "lap dance" on Officer Watts and then offered to "take care" of him, stating that she would perform sexual intercourse or give him a "hand job" for $30.00 (Count 5). On November 19, 1979, Beverage Officer J. E. Kiker, Jr., entered the licensed premises of Harry's, Inc., to investigate alleged Beverage Law violations. Officer Kiker was approached by Julia Bernice Brooks, who solicited five drinks from him. Officer Kiker purchased these drinks from the waitress for $2.50 each. Julie Bernice Brooks also offered to engage in sexual intercourse with Officer Kiker (Counts 6 and 11). Officer Kiker observed Julie Bernice Brooks dance on stage two or more times. Although she was not nude, she pulled her costume aside so as to expose her pubic area to Officer Kiker and other patrons in the audience (Count 12). Officer Kiker observed Ozzlyn Wright dancing on the stage. On two occasions, she disrobed and bent over so as to expose her vaginal and anal openings to the audience. On a third occasion, she caused the face of a male patron to make contact with her pubic area (Counts 13 and 14). Officer Kiker observed a dancer on stage who he later identified as "Sissy." Although she was not nude, she pulled her costume aside so as to expose her pubic area to Officer Kiker and others in the audience (Count 15) . Officer Kiker observed that the bartender called Julie Bernice Brooks, Ozzlyn Wright, and "Sissy" to the stage periodically and that they received tips from members in the audience. On November 29, 1979, Officer Kiker returned to the licensed premises of Harry's, Inc., for the further investigation of alleged Beverage Law violations. He was approached by Julie Bernice Brooks, who asked him to buy her wine, which he did (Count 19).

Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that charges contained in Counts 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18, and that all charges involving alleged violation of Section 877.03, Florida Statutes (1979), specified in the Notice to Show Cause/Administrative Complaint be dismissed. It is further RECOMMENDED that Respondent be found guilty of violations as alleged in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 19 of the Notice to Show Cause/Administrative Complaint. It is further RECOMMENDED that Respondent be found guilty of violating Section 800.03, Florida Statutes (1979), as alleged in Counts 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Notice to Show Cause/Administrative Complaint. It is further RECOMMENDED that License No. 58-1036, Series 2-COP, held by Respondent, Harry's, Inc., be revoked. RECOMMENDED this 31st day of December, 1980, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. T. CARPENTER Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Department of Administration Room 101, Collins Building Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of December, 1980. COPIES FURNISHED: James N. Watson, Jr., Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mr. Charles A. Nuzum, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Allen McCormick, Esquire 217 North Eola Drive Orlando, Florida 32801 David Flaxer, Esquire 615 East Princeton 515 Loch Haven Executive Building Orlando, Florida 32803

Florida Laws (7) 120.57561.29562.131796.07800.03877.03877.08
# 3
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs. RICHARD N. AND ANNE JIOSNE, T/A BEVERAGE CASTLE, 83-003767 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-003767 Latest Update: Jun. 08, 1984

The Issue This case concerns the issue of whether Respondents' beverage license should be suspended or revoked or otherwise disciplined for sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor. At the formal hearing, the Petitioner called as witnesses Ervin A. Hooper, Patricia Perkins, Christine Ellis, Paul C. Davis, and John Sokol. Petitioner offered and had admitted into evidence one exhibit. Respondent Richard N. Jiosne testified on behalf of Respondents and Respondents also called John Hanks as a witness. Respondents offered and had admitted two exhibits. Counsel for the Petitioner and counsel for the Respondents submitted proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for consideration by the Hearing Officer. To the extent that those proposed findings and conclusions are inconsistent with the findings and conclusions in this order, they were rejected as being not supported by the evidence or as unnecessary to the resolution of this cause.

Findings Of Fact At all times relevant to these proceedings, the Respondents Richard N. and Ann N. Jiosne were the holders of beverage license No. 39-186, Series 2APS. The license is issued to a drive-through beverage establishment located in Brandon, Florida, and known as the Beverage Castle. The licensed premise is a drive-through facility which sells beer, along with other grocery items and sundries. The Beverage Castle is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Jiosne, along with their son and an employee named John Hanks. Late in the afternoon or early evening of July 22, 1983, Patricia Perkins and Christine Ellis drove into the Beverage Castle for the purpose of buying beer. They drove in and stopped and a young boy that appeared to be between 12 and 14 years old came to the car and asked what they wanted. The driver, Patricia Perkins, told him that they wanted a six pack of Michelob beer and he immediately went to a cooler and removed a six pack of Michelob beer and handed it to an older gentleman. The older gentleman then handed the beer to Patricia Perkins and collected her money for the beer. At no time was Patricia Perkins asked for identification. She had not purchased beer at this establishment previously. The young boy was Ritchie Jiosne, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jiosne, the owners. The older gentleman was John Hanks, the evening manager of the Beverage Castle. On July 22, 1983, Patricia Perkins was 16 years old and her date of birth is December 30, 1966. The passenger in the automobile, Christine Ellis, at the time of the purchase was 17 years old and her date of birth is December 28, 1965. Prior to Patricia Perkins and Christine Ellis entering the Beverage Castle, a deputy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department had had the licensed premises under surveillance. He had observed several cars drive through with individuals who appeared to be young purchasing beer without being required to show identification. The officer also observed the purchase made by Patricia Perkins and Christine Ellis and observed no identification being shown by Patricia Perkins to either of the individuals working at the Beverage Castle that evening. The owners have a policy against selling alcoholic beverages to minors. There is a sign posted next to the register which states: LOOK WE ABSOLUTELY DO NOT, WILL NOT, AND REFUSE TO SERVE ANYONE!, WHO IS ASKED AND DOES NOT HAVE PROPER I.D. HAVE YOUR CARD READY. The employees have been instructed to not serve alcoholic beverages to minors and to check identification. The Beverage Castle has a reputation within the high school students of Brandon, Florida, as a place where minors can buy beer. A prior violation was brought against the Respondents' license within the past year for sale of alcoholic beverages to a minor. That case resulted in recommended dismissal by the Hearing Officer and the Director of the Division of alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco adopted that recommendation and dismissed the case.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED: That a final order be entered finding the Respondents guilty of the charge as set forth above and imposing a civil penalty of $150.00. DONE and ORDERED this 8th day of June 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida. MARVIN E. CHAVIS Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 8th day of June 1984. COPIES FURNISHED: Louisa Hargrett, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 J. Patrick McElroy, Esquire Suite 200 - Rutland Bank Building 1499 Gulf to Bay Boulevard Clearwater, Florida 33515 Howard M. Rasmussen, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Gary Rutledge, Secretary The Johns Building 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (2) 561.29562.11
# 4
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs. DE CARDENAS OLGA P AND BATES COSSETEN, T/A SAVE-A-STEP, 86-004475 (1986)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 86-004475 Latest Update: Jun. 15, 1987

Findings Of Fact On November 7, 1985, Marcos E. Cardenas, store manager of the Save-A- Step store, the licensed premises operated by the Respondents, DeCardenas and Bates, at 11005 N.E. 6th Avenue in Miami, Florida, under 2APS alcoholic beverage license 23-01862, sold, gave, served or permitted to be served a six- pack of 12 ounce cans of Budweiser beer to E.O., an individual 18 years of age. As a result of this sale, which was observed by Officer Beverly Jenkins, the Respondents were issued an official notice indicating that the offense had taken place and what it was. The purpose of this violation notice is to give the Respondent/licensee a warning of the OABT's policy regarding sale of alcoholic beverages to minors and the laws of the State of Florida prohibiting such activity. Ordinarily a disciplinary charge does not result from a first offense. Somewhat later, on February 5, 1986, however, the Respondents, this time through employee Enrique Mario Ribas, a clerk at the same store, also sold, gave, served or permitted to be served a 12 ounce container of Michelob beer to a 17 year old individual, K.A.W. On this second occasion, the Respondents were served with a final letter of warning indicating that this was the second offense and urging the licensees to strongly and personally address the problem. The licensee was also advised that if he or an employee violated the law for a third time, a Notice to Show Cause would be filed including past violations and as a result, the license would be subject to discipline. Notwithstanding this, on May 28, 1986, Eric William Guzman, a store clerk in Licensees' facility, sold, gave, served or permitted to be served a 12 ounce can of Old Milwaukee Light beer to a 19 year old underage individual, H.M. All three violations took place on the licensed premises and all three constituted a violation of the statutes. As a result of this third violation, and consistent with the terms of the final letter of warning, a Notice to Show Cause was filed alleging all three violations. It is the policy of DABT to impose, for a third offense of this nature, a $1,000.00 fine and a 20 day suspension of the license. There is, however, an opportunity for this penalty to be mitigated and counsel for Petitioner stipulated that a suspension is not always included as an action for violations of this nature. Mitigation activity, however, is that activity shown by the licensee to indicate what efforts he or she has made to prevent repeated actions of the nature involved here. It is not sufficient that the offending employee be discharged upon commission of the offense, though there was no evidence that was done here. Mitigation would be those actions take in advance of the offense, of a prophylactic nature, to insure as best as is possible that future offenses do not occur. Here, according to Sergeant Jenkins, who was present at the first violation, the licensees had displayed no signs or other indications on the licensed premises that individuals under the lawful drinking age would not be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages. In short, Respondents offered no mitigation evidence to reduce the gravity of the offense. The personal representative's argument will be considered.

Recommendation RECOMMENDED that Respondents' 2 APS alcoholic Beverage license number 23- 01862 be revoked. RECOMMENDED this 15th day of June, 1987, at Tallahassee, Florida. ARNOLD H. POLLOCK Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 15th day of June, 1987. COPIES FURNISHED: Daniel Bosanko, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000 W. Douglas Moody Jr., Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Rene M. Valdez, pers. rep. 1830 N.W. 7th Street Miami, Florida 33125 James Kearney, Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000 =================================================================

Florida Laws (5) 120.57120.68561.11561.29562.11
# 6
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs ALLEN MCGHEE AND LATARRA HARARETT, A/K/A "LATARRA GIBBS," D/B/A A TOUCH OF CLASS, 91-006729 (1991)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Filed:Orlando, Florida Oct. 23, 1991 Number: 91-006729 Latest Update: Feb. 18, 1992

Findings Of Fact Respondent, Allen McGhee and Latarra Hargarett, d/b/a A Touch of Class, is licensee of a facility located at 208 South Paramore Avenue, Orlando, Florida. The alcoholic beverage license #58-02721, 2COP series, was most recently renewed for the period October 1, 1991 through September 30, 1992. Allen McGhee did not appear at the hearing and is apparently in custody as a result of the activities that are the subject of this license discipline proceeding. Latarra Hargarett, a/k/a/ Gibbs, is the current sole lessee of the premises at 208 South Paramore Avenue. She has also contracted to purchase Allen McGhee's share of A Touch of Class nightclub, and has commenced payment pursuant to the contract. The parties have agreed to resolution of this proceeding as follows: The current license is revoked, and $3,000.00 civil penalty and $1,500.00 investigative costs are imposed. This license discipline is without prejudice to Latarra Gibbs' right to file an application for a beverage license in her own name at the 208 South Paramore Avenue location.

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is hereby, recommended that the agency enter its Final Order reflecting the parties' stipulated disposition as stated herein. RECOMMENDED this 31st day of October, 1991, in Tallahassee, Florida. MARY CLARK Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of October, 1991. COPIES FURNISHED: Nancy Waller, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1007 Joerg F. Jaeger, Esquire Katz, Jaeger & Blankner 217 E. Ivanhoe Blvd., North Orlando, FL 32804 Richard W. Scully, Director Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1000 Donald D. Conn, General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1000

Florida Laws (3) 561.29812.019893.03
# 7
DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO vs. HENRY STRIPLING AND THOMAS OLHAUSEN, 83-002066 (1983)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 83-002066 Latest Update: Jul. 26, 1983

Findings Of Fact The Respondents, Thomas Olhausen and Henry Stripling, d/b/a Trackside Lounge, hold Beverage License No. 23-1647, Series No. 4-COP, which was issued for the current year. On or about June 5, 1983, the Respondent Thomas Olhausen sold a controlled substance, namely cocaine, to Beverage Officer Terminello while he was on the licensed premises known as Trackside Lounge in Dade County, Florida. On or about June 8, 1983, the Respondent Thomas Olhausen sold cocaine to Beverage Officer Dodson while he was on the Trackside Lounge premises. On or about June 12, 1983, the Respondent Thomas Olhausen sold cocaine to Beverage Officer Terminello while he was on the premises of Trackside Lounge. The Respondent Henry Stripling did not go onto the Trackside Lounge between the dates of March 10 and June 10, 1983, pursuant to a restraining order issued on March 10, 1983, by the Dade County Circuit Court. This March 10, 1983, court order appointed two receivers to supervise the operation of the business known as Trackside Lounge. Pursuant to this authority the receivers employed Thomas Olhausen to operate and manage the business. Thus, Thomas Olhausen was not subject to the restraining order which barred Henry Stripling from entry onto the Trackside Lounge premises. The Respondent Henry Stripling had no connection with the sale of cocaine by the Respondent Thomas Olhausen to the Beverage Officers on June 5, 8 and 12, 1983. The court order of March 10, 1983, did not attempt to effect a judicial transfer of the beverage license held by the Respondents. The court appointed receivers did not file an application for a beverage license pursuant to Section 561.17, Florida Statutes, and there is no evidence that the receivers attempted to transfer the beverage license held - by the Respondents pursuant to Section S61.32(1)(a) and (b), Florida Statutes, or Section 7A-2.06(6), Florida Adminstrative Code. The court appointed receivers did not file a certified copy of the order appointing them as receivers with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco pursuant to Section 7A-2.06(6), Florida Administrative Code.

Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the alcoholic beverage license held by the Respondents, Thomas Olhausen and Henry Stripling, being number 23-1647, Series No. 4-COP, be revoked. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 26th day of July, 1983, in Tallahassee, Florida. WILLIAM B. THOMAS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 26th day of July, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: William A. Hatch, Esquire 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Mark A. Jacobs, Esquire 18204 Biscayne Boulevard North Miami Beach, Florida 33160 Richard F. Hayes, Esquire Suite 20 4601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, Florida 33146 Gary Rutledge, Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Howard M. Rasmussen, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (6) 120.57561.17561.29823.01823.10893.13
# 8
CHARLES S. METZCUS, JR., T/A THE LAKESIDE CAF? vs. DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO, 82-002106 (1982)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 82-002106 Latest Update: Nov. 16, 1982

The Issue Whether the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco is estopped from denying petitioner's application for a transfer of a special restaurant license.

Findings Of Fact In December, 1981, Applicant applied for transfer of alcoholic beverage license no. 23-02433, 4-COP SRX, a special restaurant license held by Charlies the Lakes Restaurant, Inc. & Willman Co.. DABT denied the application, contending that the licensed premises did not meet minimum seating or square footage requirements. (P-1, letter of denial dated April 8, 1982). The licensed premises, known as the Lakeside Cafe, is located at 6125 Miami Lakes Drive, Miami Lake percent, Florida. It has less than 4,000 square feet of service area and is able to seat less than 200 patrons at tables. (P-1, R-1 Stipulation of counsel) Applicant contends that since DABT granted a special restaurant license (4 COP-SRX) to the present and previous licensees, it is now estopped to deny the application. Although DABT has continuously granted such a license, license applicants have twice filed affidavits indicating that the licensed premises meets square footage and seating requirements. In 1976 and 1980 two separate applicants filed sworn affidavits stating that the licensed premises occupied 4,000 or more square feet of floor space and could accommodate 200 or more patrons at tables. On November 17, 1981, Applicant signed an agreement to purchase the licensed premises from the present licensee for $210,000.00. Under that agreement, the present licensee was required to transfer its interest in the beverage license to applicant. (P-3)

Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That Applicant's application to transfer license No. 23-02433, 4-COP SRX, be DENIED. DONE and RECOMMENDED this 16th day of November, 1982, in Tallahassee, Florida. R. L. CALEEN, JR. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of November, 1982.

Florida Laws (2) 120.57561.20
# 9
CHERYL ANN NASCIMENTO, D/B/A CHERIE`S BAR vs. DIVISION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND TOBACCO, 81-000213 (1981)
Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 81-000213 Latest Update: Apr. 08, 1981

Findings Of Fact Wiley U. Pridgett, d/b/a Strip World Topless Entertainment, holds a Series 2-COP license to sell alcoholic beverages at 2201 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando. Petitioner has requested a new Series 2-COP license to operate at the same location. Petitioner has no specific plans for the use of her license. Her testimony established only that she ha a a close relationship with Wiley U. Pridgen and would look to him for guidance.

Recommendation From the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the State of Florida, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, enter a final order denying the application of Cheryl Ann Nascimento for an alcoholic beverage license. DONE AND ENTERED this 25th day of March, 1981, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. R. T. CARPENTER, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 25th day of March, 1981. COPIES FURNISHED: H. Franklin Robbins, Jr., Esquire 112 South Lake Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801 James N. Watson, Jr., Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301

Florida Laws (2) 561.29561.58
# 10

Can't find what you're looking for?

Post a free question on our public forum.
Ask a Question
Search for lawyers by practice areas.
Find a Lawyer