Findings Of Fact Based on the stipulations of the parties, on the exhibits received in evidence and on the testimony of the witnesses at the hearing, I make the following findings of fact: The Respondent, Jamestown In The Grove Apartments Club, Inc., d/b/a Suzanne's In The Grove, (hereinafter referred to as "Suzanne's") holds alcoholic beverage license number 23-1193, license series 11-C. Respondent has held the subject license since December of 1971. For a number of years the Respondent operated at its present location in much smaller premises. Several years ago the buildings where Respondent was located were demolished and a highrise condominium building was erected on the site. Respondent obtained space in the new building and embarked upon a plan to create a larger and fancier facility then it had previously operated. The new improved facility began operations in May of 1983 under the present name of Suzanne's In The Grove. The new improved facility is, in the words of one of the witnesses, "... a high fashion, beautiful people-type disco nightclub in Coconut Grove." The property and furnishings for the new improved facility required an investment in excess of two million dollars. During the planning stages for the new improved facility which opened in May of 1983, Suzanne's retained the services of a consultant who was an expert in the planning and operation of limited membership clubs. The consultant worked with the management of Suzanne's in designing the layout of the premises and in instituting operational procedures designed to maximize the ability of management to control access into the premises. The concepts employed by the consultant were modeled on the procedures used at limited access private clubs on military bases. The premises were specifically designed to facilitate the limitation of access to members and their guests. To that end, the premises had a small doorway, had a desk for checking membership just inside the doorway, and had a narrow stairway that led from the reception desk to the main area of the club. Suzanne's also issued plastic membership cards embossed with the member's name in raised letters. The operations procedures included provisions for a doorman, at least one receptionist at the desk, and at least one employee at the top of the stairs. Often they had more than one employee at the desk and at the top of the stairs. Due to unexpected extremely large crowds of patrons when Suzanne's first opened, they also contracted for additional security personnel to assist their regular employees with access control. As part of the preparation for the opening of Suzanne's the management of the club formulated a set of written policies for employees. Included in these written policies were specific prohibitions against any conduct which would constitute a violation of the alcoholic beverage laws. Each employee was given a copy of these written policies and was required to read the policies and then sign a statement agreeing to comply with the policies and acknowledging that he or she would be fired for any violation of the policies. These policies included a specific prohibition against admitting anyone who was not a member or a bona fide guest of a member. Between the opening of Suzanne's and the dates of the violations charged in this case, Suzanne's had fired employees for admitting people who were not members. Prior to opening in May of 1983, Suzanne's also instituted a policy of requiring periodic polygraph examinations of all employees. The consultant helped them formulate the questions to be asked during the polygraph examinations. The polygraph examinations specifically covered questions as to whether the employee was aware of the members-only regulations, whether the employee had ever distributed a membership card without collecting a membership fee and turning the fee over to the club, and whether the employee had ever let anyone into the club who was not a member or a bona fide guest of a member. If the results of the polygraph examination indicated that an employee was being deceptive about whether he or she had admitted non-members to the club, the employee was terminated. The consultant also assisted the management of Suzanne's in the selection of key employees and participated in the interviews of those employees. From the date of opening through August 28, 1983, Suzanne's sold 3,025 memberships at $50.00 each. Since August 28, 1983, Suzanne's has taken in an additional $198,000.00 in membership fees. Because of the large amount of revenue generated by the sale of memberships, Suzanne's has always been very interested in strict enforcement of the members-only policy. It is in Suzanne's best economic interests to maintain strict enforcement because without such enforcement there would be no reason for anyone to buy a membership and Suzanne's would in all likelihood lose substantial membership revenues. Suzanne's entire marketing concept would have been ruined if people could get in easily without having a membership card. When Suzanne's first opened in May of 1983, all employees were required to attend a meeting at which an attorney specializing in alcoholic beverage law told them about the requirements of the liquor laws in general and about the special provisions of the liquor laws relating to 11-C licenses. All of the employees were specifically told that the sale of alcoholic beverages was restricted to members and their guests. The consultant employed by Suzanne's recommended an emphasis on access control at the door rather than a system of point of sale control because Suzanne's did not have an in-house credit or charge system, which is the best system to use for a point of sale control system. An in-house credit system was prohibitively expensive where membership dues were only $50.00 per person. A typical Dade County club with an in-house credit system has an annual membership fee of $460.00 in addition to an initial fee of $1,000.00 to join. Since the dates of the violations charged in this case Suzanne's has maintained its access control procedure at the door and has added a point of sale control system as well. The point of sale control includes imprinting the membership card on all sales slips. On August 28, 1983, two investigators of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco went to Suzanne's at about 2:20 a.m. They told the doorman ("Robert") that they were not members but that they wanted to go in and look around. The doorman let them in, but told them that if anyone asked they should say they came in with a member. Once inside the premises, each of the DABT investigators ordered and were served an alcoholic beverage. None of the bartenders or barmaids asked if they were members. On September 7, 1983, the same two investigators returned to Suzanne's at approximately 11:40 p.m. They walked past the doorman and other employees and entered the premises. No one tried to determine if they were members. Both investigators ordered and were served an alcoholic beverage. On September 10, 1983, two DABT investigators (one who had been on both prior occasions and one who had not been there before) went to Suzanne's. A line of approximately 300 people were waiting outside to enter Suzanne's. To avoid waiting in the line, the two investigators went near the front of the line and waited until the one who had been there before could get the attention of Robert, the doorman. When he got Robert's attention, he asked Robert if Robert could do them a favor about the line and gave Robert $5.00. Robert took the money and admitted the two investigators without asking whether they were members. One of the investigators was able to order and be served an alcoholic beverage. It was so crowded inside that the other investigator was not able to place an order for an alcoholic beverage. On September 21, 1983, the two DABT investigators who had visited Suzanne's on the first occasions described above returned to the premises. Again they were able to enter without being asked about their membership status and both ordered and were served an alcoholic beverage. None of the DABT investigators who went to Suzanne's on the four occasions described above were members of the Suzanne's, nor were they bona fide guests of anyone who was a member. On each occasion when they were served alcoholic beverages, they paid the regular price for the beverages, approximately $3.50 each. On all four of the occasions described above when the DABT investigators entered Suzanne's and purchased alcoholic beverages, the club was very crowded. The extent of the crowds on those nights is reflected by the gross receipts for those four nights which were, respectively, $10,099.35, $5,125.60, $9,973.25, and $5,034.15. On all four of the occasions described above when DABT investigators entered Suzanne's, there were several employees of Suzanne's both in the area of the reception desk at the bottom of the stairs as well as at the top of the stairs attempting to control access to the premises and maintain control over the crowds. During 1983 Suzanne's was obtaining security services from Dade Federal Security. The security company would provide plainclothes guards to assist Suzanne's employees check membership, to help maintain order, and to help control the line outside when it was especially crowded. Sometime during 1983 the management at Suzanne's complained to Dade Federal Security that they suspected that some of the guards provided by Dade Federal Security had been taking money to admit non-members into the premises. Dade Federal Security confronted its employees with this complaint and one of the employees confessed to having taken money to admit non-members to Suzanne's. The employee was fired. The foregoing findings of fact contain the substance of the vast majority of the findings proposed by both parties. Proposed findings which are not incorporated in the foregoing findings are specifically rejected as irrelevant, as contrary to the greater weight of the evidence, or as unsupported by persuasive competent substantial evidence.
Recommendation On the basis of all of the foregoing, I recommend that the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco enter a Final Order in this case dismissing all charges against the licensee. DONE AND ORDERED this 3rd day of July, 1985, at Tallahassee, Florida. MICHAEL M. PARRISH 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 3rd day of July, 1985. COPIES FURNISHED: Howard Rasmussen, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Harold F. X. Purnell, Esquire General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Sy Chadroff, Esquire 2700 Southwest 37th Avenue Miami, Florida 33133
The Issue Whether or not on or about October 31, 1975, the Respondents, Bossie Mae and Willie Mae Browdy, licensed under the beverage laws as a package store, and/or their agent, servant or employee, to wit: Bossie Mae Browdy did allow or permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on their licensed premises, contrary to Rule 7A-3.05, Florida Administrative Code. Whether or not on or about November 1, 1975, the Respondents, Bossie Mae and Willie Mae Browdy, licensed under the beverage laws as Browdy's Mini Market with a 2-APS license to wit: Bossie Mae Browdy did allow gambling (card) on the licensed premises, contrary to Section 849.08, Florida Statutes and in violation of Section 561.29, Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact At present, and on October 31, 1975 and November 1, 1975, the Respondents, Bossie Mae and Willie Mae Browdy are and were the holders of a beverage license with the State of Florida, Division of Beverage number 69-299, 2-APS. On October 31, 1975, Eugene Fogel, a Division of Beverage enforcement officer entered the premises licensed by the State of Florida, Division of Beverage, which was operated by the Respondents at Avenue B on Chuluota Road, Oviedo, Florida. While in the store he observed an unknown black female consuming a beverage which was marked Millers High-Life. This consumption was taking place in the presence of the Respondent, Bossie Mae Browdy, and in the course of the consumption a conversation was taking place between the unknown black female and Bossie Mae Browdy. The bottle which Officer Fogel observed was marked with identifying information which the officer based upon his experience, felt indicated that it contained an alcoholic beverage. On November 1, 1975, officer Fogel returned to the licensed premises of the Respondents and entered into a card game in a porch like area which is immediately at the front of the store and connected to the store. This card game was between Fogel and several black males who were participating in a card game when he approached. The game took place over 45 minutes and money was exchanged at 25 cents a game for the winner, for a total amount of approximately $2.00. During the course of the game, Bossie Mae Browdy came to the door and looked out at the card game being played.
Recommendation It is recommended that the Respondents, Bossie Mae and Willie Mae Browdy, be fined in the amount of $100 for the offense as established through this administrative complaint. DONE and ENTERED this 24th day of November, 1976, in Tallahassee, Florida. CHARLES C. ADAMS, Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Charles Curtis, Esquire Division of Beverage The Johns Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 Carl Thompson, Esquire 25 South Magnolia Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801
The Issue Whether petitioner qualifies for a II-C Club alcoholic beverage license, which is issued to Nonprofit organizations or clubs devoted to promoting community, municipal, or county development or any phase of community, municipal or county development.
Findings Of Fact Code I is a nonprofit Florida corporation located at 3420-31 West Broward Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In February, 1982, it applied for a II-C or Club alcoholic beverage license pursuant to Section 561.20(7)(a)3, Florida Statutes (1981) and Rule 7A-3.19, Florida Administrative Code. On August 3, 1982, DABT denied its application, asserting that it was not qualified for licensing under tie statute and rule. Code I was incorporated as a Florida nonprofit corporation in 1962. Ms. Bessie Walton and her former husband formed the corporation to raise funds to build a home for the elderly. With funds subsequently generated by the corporation, Tropical Home for Senior Citizens was constructed and continues to be operated in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. In 1974, the corporation became inactive. According to several members of Code I, the goals and purposes of the Club are to support and make contributions to benevolent causes. This testimony, however, is based upon representations made to them by others concerning the goals and purposes of the Club. (Testimony of Troutman, Reddick) In the past, Code I has donated funds to numerous organizations or allowed them to use its facilities--without charge. These organizations, included Broward County Youth Football, Greater Bethel AME Church, Tropical Home for Senior Citizens, North Fork Elementary School, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (for scholarships). It has also sponsored foster families. Code I has charged, however, some organizations $175 for the use of its facilities. (Testimony of Troutman) The articles of Incorporation of Code I state that the objectives of the organization are to provide a meeting place for recreational purposes of its members, to provide aid and comfort for its members in case of sickness or death, and to assist in any other matters pertaining to the highest orders of American Citizenship. For carrying out these purposes, the corporation is authorized to buy, hold and sell real and personal property, to invest funds, and to construct and operate social club houses. (P-1) Neither the articles nor the bylaws of the corporation explicitly, or by reasonable inference, dedicate it to promoting community, municipal, or county development. (P-1, P-4) According to its treasurer, its main purpose is to provide a facility where the public can enjoy an evening on the town in a conducive club atmosphere. Membership is open to the general public. An alcoholic beverage license would enable the Club to earn additional funds for its operations.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That Code I's application for a II-C Club alcoholic beverage license be DENIED, without prejudice to its right to reapply after amendment of its charter and bylaws. DONE AND ORDERED this 25th day of February, 1983, 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 25th day of February, 1983.
The Issue Whether Respondent's beverage license should be suspended or revoked, or a civil penalty assessed, for an alleged violation of s. 562.12, Florida Statutes, pursuant to s. 561.29(1)(b), F.S., as set forth in Notice to Show Cause issued by Petitioner on March 28, 1977. The hearing in this case was scheduled for 9:00 A.M. on December 8, 1977 at Petitioner's business address in Tallahassee, Florida. Notice of Hearing was sent to the Respondent on November 21, 1977 by mail. The notice of hearing was not returned by the Post Office as being undelivered. Neither the Respondent nor any representative in her behalf appeared at the hearing. Accordingly, the Hearing Officer advised counsel for the Petitioner that the matter would be conducted as an uncontested proceeding.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent Margaret P. Muse operates Club 40 located at Midway, Florida, and is authorized to sell beer and wine for consumption on the premises incident to a Class 2-COP license issued by the Petitioner. On August 15, 1976 at approximately 12:05 P.M., Gary Sams, a beverage officer with the Tallahassee field office of the Petitioner, accompanied by a reliable informant, went to the vicinity of Respondent's licensed premises. There, Sams searched the informant and found that he possessed no alcoholic beverages or currency. Sams gave the informant $5.00 and told him to go to the residence immediately east of the licensed premises. The informant entered the house, remained approximately 5 minutes and returned to Sams with a one-half pint unsealed bottle of Calverts Extra whiskey and a twelve-ounce sealed can of Schlitz beer in his possession. The informant told Sams that he had purchased the liquor from one Lou Ethel Palmer for $2.75 and that she had obtained it from a room in the house. Sams and the informant initialed the containers and Sams took them to the evidence room of his agency where they remained until the date of the hearing (testimony of Sams, Petitioner's Exhibit 1). On August 22, 1976 at approximately 10:30 P.M., Sams returned to the premises with the same informant, and followed the same procedures as to a prior search of his person and directions to enter the residence again. Sams observed the informant do so where he remained for a period of time and then returned to Sams outside and turned over a one-half pint unsealed bottle of Calverts Extra whiskey. The informant stated that while in the residence, he had ordered the whiskey from Palmer, but that another female in the house had gone outside to obtain the whiskey. When she returned with it, the informant paid her $2.75 for the same. By the informant's description of the female who had sold the whiskey to him, Sams determined that she was the Respondent Margaret P. Muse. The two men initialed the container and Sams placed it in the evidence room of his agency where it remained until the date of this hearing (testimony of Sams, Petitioner's Exhibit 2) On August 23, 1976, warrants authorizing search of the Palmer residence were obtained by Petitioner. On August 29, Sams and deputy sheriffs of Gadsden County proceeded to the residence in question where they were admitted by Muse. Arrest warrants were served on Muse and Palmer and the premises were searched. In the bedroom several half pints of vodka and whiskey were found and seized. Two cases of 12-ounce cans of Schlitz beer were found in an outbuilding adjacent to the house and also seized. Muse stated at the time that the beer was being stored in the outbuilding for the purposes of sale at the licensed premises (testimony of Sams).
Recommendation That the charge against Respondent, Margaret P. Muse, be dismissed. DONE and ENTERED this 16th day of December, 1977, in Tallahassee, Florida. THOMAS C. OLDHAM Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Francis Bayley, Esquire Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building Tallahassee, Florida Mrs. Margaret P. Muse P.O. Box 116 Midway, Florida 32343 PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 1 One half-pint bottle labeled "Calvert Extra" (half full of liquid) One sealed can (12 ounce) Schlitz beer PETITIONER'S EXHIBIT 2 One full unsealed half-pint bottle labeled "Calvert Extra"
The Issue The central issue in this case is whether the Respondent is guilty of the violations alleged in the Emergency Order of Suspension; and, if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Based upon the testimony of the witnesses and the documentary evidence received at the hearing, the following findings of fact are made: At all times material to this matter, the Respondent, Robert L. Seamans, held alcoholic beverage license no. 23-00987, series 4-COP, for the licensed premises located at 11425 S.W. 40th Street, Miami, Dade County, Florida, known as the Lucky Lady. Respondent, age 64, has held alcoholic beverage licenses in the states of New York or Florida since 1963. Respondent has never been charged or reprimanded for a beverage law violation until these proceedings. At all times material to this case, the Respondent employed a barmaid at the Lucky Lady who was known as "Stella." Also present at the Lucky Lady during relevant time periods was a drifter known to the bar patrons as "Tom". In exchange for food and/or the use of the bar kitchen, Tom assisted the barmaids by carrying out trash, stocking the beer cooler, or filling the ice bins. Although Tom was not an employee at the Lucky Lady, he, like many of the regular patrons, had unrestricted use of the Lucky Lady's kitchen area. Sometime prior to April, 1990, a bar located near the Lucky Lady was closed by the Department following an investigation and a determination that controlled substances were being either sold or possessed on the licensed premises. Respondent was aware of the action taken to close the local bar and was further aware that undesirable persons from that bar might attempt to patronize the Lucky Lady. Respondent had considered joining the Department's Responsible Vendors Program but did not. Respondent's policy was to exclude any customer suspected of improper conduct whether related to drugs or other inappropriate activities. To effect that policy Respondent maintained a "barred" list which listed those individuals either by name or description who were not welcome at the Lucky Lady. Employees were instructed to request any person on the barred list to leave the facility. In the event such person refused, the police were to be summoned. On numerous occasions not described below, patrons of the Lucky Lady have observed Respondent escorting persons from the bar who were suspected of, or were known to have exhibited, improper conduct. Respondent relied on his wife, Tanya, to assist him to monitor the interior areas of the Lucky Lady. It was Mrs. Seamans' custom to remain in the licensed premises throughout the evening hours and to watch for any improper conduct. If she observed anything suspicious, she would either report the activity to her husband or to an employee for further investigation and/or action. Unfortunately, Mrs. Seamans sustained a broken hip on April 29, 1990, and was unable to supervise the licensed premises after that date. The Respondent did not obtain a replacement to perform Mrs. Seaman's monitoring function. During May, 1990, Vincent Weiner, a law enforcement investigator employed by the Department, conducted an undercover narcotics investigation of the Lucky Lady. To effect his purpose, Mr. Weiner assumed the name "Vinnie Capio" and began to patronize the licensed premises. On May 5, 1990, Mr. Weiner and a confidential informant went to the Lucky Lady and asked Stella if cocaine were available. Stella directed the two men to the restroom. Once there, they proceeded to complete the transaction with Tom based upon the price which had been negotiated with Stella ($25.00). On this occasion, in exchange for the $25.00, Mr. Weiner received a clear baggie containing a substance which was later analyzed and found to be cocaine. On May 8, 1990, Mr. Weiner returned to the Lucky Lady and again inquired if cocaine were available for purchase. On this date, Stella went to the kitchen and returned with a packet which was exchanged with Mr. Weiner across the bar counter for $25.00. This packet was later analyzed to be cocaine. At all times when Mr. Weiner was seated at the bar counter, other patrons were also present at the counter during the course of the transactions. Mr. Weiner attempted to make a second purchase of cocaine on May 8, 1990. Similar to the prior transaction of that date, Stella went to the kitchen but returned with a written message for Mr. Weiner which she handed to him (instead of another packet). Tide message stated, "he's OUT he got rid of all of them already." Stella did not identify the "he" noted in the message. On May 15, 1990, Mr. Weiner purchased two packets of cocaine at the Lucky Lady. During the first transaction, Stella advised Mr. Weiner to enter the kitchen where he met Tom. Tom then took a packet from an envelope on the kitchen shelf and exchanged it for $25.00. Later in the evening, Mr. Weiner gave $25.00 to Stella while Tom removed another packet from the envelope and handed it to the investigator. This second exchange also took place in the Lucky Lady kitchen. Both of the packets purchased on this date were later analyzed and found to be cocaine. On May 18, 1990, the investigator returned to the Lucky Lady and purchased two packets from Stella and Tom. Again, the exchange took place within the kitchen and the amount for these transactions totalled $50.00. The substance obtained on this date was later analyzed and found to be cocaine. On May 22, 1990, Mr. Weiner was seated at the bar when Stella asked him if he would be needing anything that evening. The investigator placed $25.00 on the bar while Stella went to her purse (located behind the bar counter) and retrieved a packet which she then exchanged for the money. This transaction took place in front of the other patrons seated at the bar. Later in the evening, in the same manner as described above, Mr. Weiner purchased a second packet from Stella. Both of the packets obtained on this date were later analyzed and found to be cocaine. On May 29, 1990, Stella was again behind the bar at the Lucky Lady. On this date, Mr. Weiner negotiated for one packet (which she obtained from her purse located within the bar area) in exchange for $25.00. This packet was later analyzed and found to be cocaine. The Respondent was present within the premises at the Lucky Lady during at least one of the transactions described above. There is no evidence that Respondent was personally involved in the exchanges nor that he was aware of the sales. The Respondent does not dispute that the substance purchased by Mr. Weiner on each of the occasions described above was cocaine. During the course of the investigation Mr. Weiner observed video poker games located within the licensed premises. The games were coin operated and required the player to choose a hand for five card draw poker. By discarding any or all of his original hand, the player attempts to, by the chance of the game, receive a winning hand. The game awards points for Winning hands and subtracts points for losing hands. If a player accrues more points than he paid for, he finishes ahead of the machine. On May 22, 1990, Mr. Weiner finished playing the video poker game with a total of 36 points. That total was 16 more than he had originally purchased. Mr. Weiner consulted Stella regarding the results and she wrote his name and the point total on a piece of paper which she then placed near the cash register. On May 23, 1990, Mr. Weiner returned to the Lucky Lady and requested his "mail." He intended to obtain his winnings related to the video game he had played the day before. He received $9.00 which he believed was the amount he was due for accruing the 36 points. No other explanation as to why Mr. Weiner would receive $9.00 from the bar (except in connection with video game results) was suggested by either party. On May 31, 1990, an Emergency Order of Suspension was executed by the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. That order was served on the Respondent on June 1, 1990, and the licensed premises have been closed since that time. On June 1, 1990, an inspection of the Lucky Lady premises was conducted by agents of the Department. The Respondent had keys to the video poker games described in Paragraphs 16 and 17.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is recommended that the Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco enter a final order revoking the Respondent's alcoholic beverage license no. 23-00987, series 4-COP, for the premises located at 11425 S.W. 40th Street, Miami, Dade County, Florida. RECOMMENDED this 17th day of July, 1990, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JOYOUS D. PARRISH Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904)488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 17th day of July, 1990. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER, CASE NO. 90-3447 RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT: Paragraphs 1 through 3 are accepted. To the extent the drug transactions are outlined in findings paragraphs 7 through 13, the Department's paragraphs 4 through 12 are accepted; otherwise rejected as irrelevant. To the extent the video poker games are addressed in findings paragraphs 16 and 17, the Department's paragraphs 13-15 are accepted; otherwise rejected as irrelevant. Paragraphs 16 through 18 are accepted. But see also finding paragraphs 3 and 4. Except as addressed in finding paragraph 2, paragraph 19 is rejected as irrelevant. Paragraph 20 is accepted. RULINGS ON THE PROPOSED FINDINGS OF FACT SUBMITTED BY THE RESPONDENT: Paragraphs 1 through 3 are accepted. Paragraph 4 is rejected as irrelevant, comment or argument not constituting a factual finding. Paragraph 5 is rejected as recitation of testimony. The video poker games were games of chance in that the machine, of its own design (not a player's choosing) dictated the hand received by the player. Paragraphs 6 through 9 are accepted. It is accepted that Respondent did not personally engage in the illegal sales recounted in the order; otherwise, paragraph 10 is rejected a irrelevant, argument or comment. Paragraphs 11 and 12 are accepted. COPIES FURNISHED: Henry A. Amoon Continental National Bank Building Suite 408 400 Southwest 107th Avenue Miami, Florida 33174 John B. Fretwell Assistant General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1007 Stephen R. MacNamara Secretary Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000 Leonard Ivey, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000 Joseph A. Sole General Counsel Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1000
The Issue The issue is whether respondent's alcoholic beverage license should be disciplined for the reasons stated in the notice to show cause.
Findings Of Fact Based upon all of the evidence, the following findings of fact are determined: Background At all times relevant hereto, respondent, Lehigh Acres Memorial Post #4174, VFW of U. S., Inc. (respondent or club), held alcoholic beverage license number 46-00555, series 11-C, issued by petitioner, Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Division). Respondent used the license to sell alcoholic beverages at its club located at 18 South Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, Florida. Under the license, respondent was authorized to sell alcoholic beverages to its members and guests, provided such guests signed a guest book and the members paid for all drinks. Described by respondent's qualified representative as a "day of infamy", October 29, 1989, was the day on which petitioner conducted a search of respondent's licensed premises. The search was conducted after Division investigator Steven H. Thompkins visited the club on three prior occasions in October 1989 in an undercover capacity. Those visits were prompted by an anonymous complaint that the club was engaged in illegal gambling activities. Based upon information uncovered during the three visits, a search warrant was obtained from a local judge, and two Division investigators and three Lee County deputy sheriffs entered the licensed premises on Sunday afternoon, October 29, during the midst of a Bingo game being attended by forty or fifty club members and their guests. Thereafter, a notice to show cause was issued by the Division alleging that respondent had violated chapter 561 in several respects. The issuance of the notice to show cause prompted respondent to initiate this proceeding. Search Warrant A search warrant was obtained by Thompkins and an assistant state attorney from a local county judge on October 27, 1989. The probable cause was based upon an affidavit filed by Thompkins which requested that the judge issue the warrant to search the premises of the club in "the daytime or the nighttime, or on Sunday as the exigencies of the occasion demand or require." Although the warrant was executed on a Sunday, the warrant did not refer to Sunday or specifically authorize a search to be made on a Sunday. Rather, after referring to Thompkins' affidavit, describing the premises to be searched, and citing the type of gambling paraphernalia believed to be on the premises, the warrant read in relevant part as follows: THESE ARE THEREFORE to command you with proper and necessary assistants of the law enforcement agencies, to enter and to search the above described premises referred to as VFW Post 4174, 18 South Homestead Road, Lehigh Acres, Lee County, Florida, for the property described above: a daily number book, betting pool sheets for baseball, pull tab cards for a game of chance instant bingo, two video poker machines, a green bag or envelope, and papers or documents or currency used in connection with the gambling operation. When the warrant was executed on the club premises, the affidavit was not physically attached to the warrant. This finding is based on uncontroverted testimony presented by respondent. Count (1) Count (1) of the notice to show cause alleges that between October 15 and October 22, 1989, respondent, through its agents Walter Adams and Cindy Carboni, "did sell alcoholic beverages to a nonmember to wit: Stephen Thompkins." Respondent has stipulated that Adams, a club bartender, did sell a beer Thompkins on October 15 and 22, 1989, and a mixed drink on October 22, 1989. The record also shows that Thompkins purchased a mixed drink from Carboni on October 19, 1989. All sales were in the club bar on the licensed premises. Thompkins was not a member of the club, had not signed in on the club's guest book, and was not a member's guest. The record further shows that Thompkins did not mislead or deceive the club bartenders into believing that he was a member or guest. Therefore, the allegation in Count I has been sustained. Count 2(a) Part (a) of the second count charges that between October 15 and 29, 1989, the club possessed "Bingo pull tabs tickets and door prize raffle tickets within (its) licensed premises which are gambling devices and had `been used for gambling purposes contrary to F.S. 849.231(1)." Each Sunday afternoon around 1:45 p.m., the club conducted a Bingo game. In order to play Bingo and receive a Bingo card, a patron had to purchase a minimum of four double numbered tickets at fifty cents per ticket. Half of the ticket was retained by the club and used as the basis for a drawing at intermission. On his October 22, 1989, visit, agent Thompkins was a winner on the drawing and received a Florida Lottery Wild Winner's ticket as a prize. For fifty cents each, a patron could also purchase Bingo pull tab cards which are small cards having five removable tabs. These cards were sold only on Sundays by Robert Wagner, a club officer, during the 3:30 p.m. intermission. If the right combination (e.g. the letters "BINGO") was underneath the tabs, a customer could win cash prizes. Indeed, on Thompkins' first visit, one of the forty tickets he purchased for $20 was a winner, and Thompkins received a $51 cash prize. The club also conducted a daily drawing wherein patrons purchased for twenty-five cents a chance to win by placing their names in small capsules which were kept in a large plastic jar. At the end of each day a capsule was drawn out of the jar at random, and the name selected won a prize. To keep track of the participants, the club required them to write their names in a "daily book" (a stenographer's pad) while the prize money was retained in a coffee can kept for that purpose. In addition to the daily drawings, the club conducted what was called a weekly 50:50 drawing which involved essentially the same procedure as the daily drawing, that is, patrons purchased chances by placing their names into small capsules which were kept in a plastic jar until the lucky capsule wad drawn once a week. In both games, the club retained a portion of the moneys wagered by the patrons. Thus, the club was engaged in gambling activities as alleged in the notice to show cause. Count (2)(b) The second portion of Count (2) alleges that between October 15 and 29, 1989, the club "did possess World Series Baseball Pool Sheets and two (2) video poker machines which are gambling devices and had been used for gambling purposes." In the club bar, the bartender (Adams) maintained a World Series pool sheet, which was a large card with ten numbered spaces across the top and ten numbered spaces down, or one hundred spaces in all. Individuals participating in the pool signed their names in various blocks of the card indicating what they thought the score would be. Each chance cost twenty-five cents, and on his first visit, Thompkins purchased twelve chances for three dollars. Such a sheet was also maintained for subsequent World Series games. Therefore, it is found that the club possessed baseball pool sheets for gambling purposes. During the time period in question, the club maintained two Greyhound electric video game machines on its licensed premises. One was known as "Hi Lo Joker Poker", the other as "Super Poker." Each game required a minimum quarter deposit to play. Agent Thompkins observed several club patrons play the machines and Thompkins himself played the Joker Poker machine, albeit unsuccessfully. The club bartender explained to Thompkins that a minimum of forty points had to be earned on the machine before credit would be recorded and that every forty points equaled ten dollars in credits or winnings. Through the expert testimony of Pinellas County sheriff's detective Brian Beery, it was established that the two machines had been modified by a computer chip so that their character was no longer amusement in nature but instead were illegal gambling machines. In their modified state, the machines could be reset and cleared after each player with a remote control device operated by the bartender. Moreover, the payoff odds were controlled by the club. According to Beery's uncontradicted testimony, the club retained 56% of all moneys deposited in the machines. Beery added that the machines are generally modified at the lessee's or renter's direction and that the owner of the machines shares in the profits. The name of the owner of the machines is not of record. According to the club's past commander, the machines had been on the premises for less than two weeks prior to the October 29 raid. This was not controverted. Even so, for those two weeks, the club was utilizing video poker machines for gambling purposes as alleged in the notice to show cause. Count (3) The third count charges that between October 15 and 29, 1989, respondent maintained "a gambling house by allowing video poker machines, "bingo" pull tabs tickets and door prize raffles to be used for gambling purposes within (its) licensed premises." The evidence detailed in findings of fact 7, 8 and 11 supports a finding that the club maintained video machines, Bingo pull tab tickets and door prize raffles for gambling purposes during the time period in question. Count (4) The last count alleges that respondent "did conduct lottery drawings by having 3rd and 4th game World Series Baseball Pool and conducting drawings at the intermission of bingo each Sunday." Respondent has admitted that Walter Adams, the club's bartender, conducted a World Series pool for two games during the 1989 series. A description of such activities is found in finding of fact 10. The club's only defense to this allegation was that Adams was not authorized to conduct the pool, and the canteen (bar) was not under the post commander's direct responsibility. Even so, this charge has been sustained. The evidence also shows that during the intermission of the Bingo game on October 15 and 22, 1989, Robert Donahue, a post member, conducted a drawing for a prize. Additional findings as to this allegation are contained in finding of fact 7. Therefore, this charge has been established. Penalty and Mitigating Evidence The Division's district supervisor has recommended that respondent's license be revoked. This recommendation is based on the fact that pursuant to a consent agreement executed in October 1986 respondent suffered a $2,000 fine and a thirty day suspension of its license for illegal gambling activities. Further, the supervisor pointed out that: the club has been lectured on illicit gambling as recently as August 7, 1989. Moreover, the club was given a verbal warning concerning illegal alcoholic sales to non- members on January 16, 1986. Finally, the Division calculated what it believed to be the amount of profits realized by the club from its gambling activities. These profits exceeded $5,000 which, according to the supervisor, is the threshold amount of illegal income to justify revocation of a license. In mitigation, the club contended that it did not know that many of the activities were illegal and that it was simply engaged in activities that are commonplace in other clubs and business enterprises. Moreover, the club points out that much of its profits from gambling were donated to charitable causes. In addition, the club building is now in need of a new roof and the club contends it cannot afford to lose the revenues that are generated by the liquor license. Finally, the club maintains that Adams' activities were not authorized, and the club should not be penalized for his actions.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent be found guilty as charged in the notice to show cause and that its license be REVOKED. DONE and ENTERED this 19th day of October, 1990, in Tallahassee, Florida. DONALD R. ALEXANDER 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 19th of October, 1990.
Findings Of Fact Respondent holds alcoholic beverage license No. 39-1060, Series 4-COP, for the premises known as the Big Oak Patio, located at 501 South Waller Street, Plant City, Florida. Petitioner's investigation indicated that Charles W. Nettles, Jr., the son of Beatrice Nettles, was primarily responsible for the operation of the licensed business and the payment of all bills attributed to the licensed business. The evidence established that Charles Nettles, Jr., had opened a bank account with the Hillsborough State Bank of Plant City which was used to pay business expenses for the Big Oak Patio. Bank records revealed that Charles Nettles, Jr.'s bank account showed an address of 501 South Waller Street, Plant City, the address of the licensed premises owned by Beatrice Nettles and E. W. Strickland. Petitioner's inspection of the bank records established that nine checks signed by Charles Nettles, Jr. were issued to alcoholic beverage distributing companies servicing the Big Oak Patio. On September 15, 1982, Petitioner's investigator contacted the Department of Revenue for the State of Florida, Tampa District, and confirmed the sales tax number for the Big Oak Patio was issued to Beatrice Nettles and Charles Nettles, Jr. The investigation also showed that Charles Nettles was responsible for having the power turned on by the electric power company, Plant City Office, for the Big Oak Patio and has been responsible for payment of the utility bills for the Big Oak Patio. As part of Petitioner's investigation, the licensee, Beatrice Nettles, was interviewed at her residence in Plant City. Throughout the interview, Mrs. Nettles denied any involvement with the business and repeatedly informed Petitioner's investigator that Charles Nettles, Jr. owned the business. At the formal hearing, testimony by Respondent showed that the original license of the Big Oak Patio was held in Beatrice Nettles' husband's name. Upon his death, over fifteen years ago, Beatrice Nettles and E. W. Strickland were appointed as co-administrators by the probate court handling Charles Nettles, Sr.'s estate. An order was entered by this court authorizing the co- administrators to continue the business of the Big Oak Patio. The appointment of co-administrators at the death of Charles Nettles, Sr. was necessitated by the fact that Charles Nettles, Jr. and his sister were not of age and could not lawfully operate the business. Neither Charles Nettles, Jr. nor his sister have gone back to court to have the co-administrators removed and final distribution made of the assets of Charles Nettles, Sr.'s estate.
Recommendation From the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that Respondent furnish Petitioner a court order removing the co-administrators and distributing the remaining estate of Charles Nettles, Sr., in so far as it affects the licensed business, along with proper application(s) for such heir(). It is further RECOMMENDED that if Respondent does not present the above described order and application(s) by March 1, 1983, that Petitioner enter a Final Order revoking alcoholic beverage license No. 39-1060. DONE and ENTERED this 30th day of December, 1982, in Tallahassee, 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 30th day of December, 1982.
The Issue The issue is whether Respondent violated Section 562.02 and Subsection 561.29(1), Florida Statutes (2007), by possessing on May 3, 2008, four bottles of alcohol that Respondent is not licensed to possess on the licensed premises.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner is the agency responsible for regulating alcoholic beverage licenses in the state. Respondent is licensed to possess and sell beer and wine on the premises pursuant to License Number 46-05556, Series 2COP. A random inspection of the licensed premises on May 3, 2008, found four bottles of alcohol that Respondent is not licensed to possess on the premises. The alcohol consisted of: one, 1.75 liter bottle of Kettle One Vodka; two, 750 milliliter bottles of X-Rated Vodka; one, 1 liter bottle of Captain Morgan Rum; and one, 750 milliliter bottle of Tequila 1800 Silver. Petitioner requires each licensee to file a drawing of the licensed premises that, among other things, identifies the location of personal items kept on the premises. Respondent did not identify the bottles of alcohol described in the preceding paragraph as personal items on the drawing that Respondent filed with Petitioner.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner enter a final order finding Respondent guilty of the acts alleged and violations charged in the Administrative Action and imposing an administrative fine of $1,000.00. DONE AND ENTERED this 5th day of March, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S DANIEL MANRY Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 5th day of March, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Michael J. Wheeler, Esquire Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32303 Marcus Beaubrun Sushiyaki, Inc., d/b/a Sushiyaki 1306 Cape Coral Parkway East Cape Coral, Florida 33904 Ned Luczynski, General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792 Cynthia Hill, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Department of Business and Professional Regulation Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0792
Findings Of Fact Based on the stipulated record described above, I make the following relevant findings of fact: The Petitioner currently holds alcoholic beverage license number 11-74 SRX, series 4-COP. The currently licensed premises include all of the rooms within Petitioner's clubhouse. On or about September 14, 1984, the Petitioner filed an application in which it requested that its licensed premises be extended to include all of the golf course which is adjacent to the clubhouse. The Petitioner's golf course consists of approximately 262 acres. The Petitioner is the owner of and has exclusive possession and control over all of the premises it seeks to have included in its license. The area Petitioner seeks to have included in its license includes other buildings in addition to the clubhouse building. The Petitioner does not hold a golf club license. The Petitioner does not by its application propose to have more than three separate rooms or enclosures in which permanent bars or counters will be located. A licensee is required to designate the licensed premises in a sketch included in or attached to the application for license so that the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco can determine the area over which they have regulatory authority. The Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco has, on some occasions, granted applications for series 4-COP special restaurant licenses which included in the sketch of the licensed premises an uncovered patio area immediately adjacent to the covered portion of the restaurant building, which patio areas were used by the restaurant as an area for service of food and beverages. The Division of Alcoholic Beverages has not presented any reason for denying the Petitioner's application other than the opinion that the existing statutory provisions do not authorize the extension sought by the Petitioner. The Petitioner's alcoholic beverage license was issued pursuant to a special act of the Legislature. Chapter 70-574, Laws of Florida. Following receipt of notice that the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco proposed to deny its application, the Petitioner filed a timely request for formal proceedings.
Recommendation For all of the foregoing reasons it is recommended that the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco issue a Final Order denying the Petitioner's application to extend the area of its licensed premises. DONE and ORDERED this 25 day of June, 1985, at Tallahassee, Florida. Hearings Hearings MICHAEL M. PARRISH Hearing Officer Division of Administrative The Oakland Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (904) 488-9675 FILED with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative this 25th day of June, 1985 COPIES FURNISHED: Sandra Stockwell, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 S. Bronough St. Tallahassee, Florida 32301 William Andrews, Esquire P.O. Drawer C Gainesville, Florida 32602 Howard M. Rasmussen Director Department of Business Regulation Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco The Johns Building 725 S. Bronough St. Tallahassee, Florida 32301
The Issue The issue for determination is whether Respondent committed the offenses set forth in the administrative complaint and, if so, what action should be taken.
Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, B & K Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Nipper's Restaurant (Respondent) held Alcoholic Beverage, Special Restaurant License No. 60-02856 SRX (SRX License). Respondent's SRX License was issued on July 7, 1988. Respondent's SRX License requires Respondent to maintain, among other things, 2,500 square feet of serving area, a minimum of 150 seats for seating, and 51 percent of gross revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverages sales. Respondent has a president, Arthur Barakos, who is a 51 percent shareholder. On September 30, 1996, a special agent of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Petitioner) performed an SRX License inspection of Respondent. Petitioner's agent requested Barakos to produce, among other things, Respondent's last three months of alcohol and food records, z-tapes,2 guest receipts, and ledger books, if any. He was unable to produce the requested records, indicating that his accountant had possession of them. Petitioner's agent reminded Barakos that, as a requirement of the SRX License, the records must be maintained on Respondent's premises. She informed him that she would return at a later date to review the requested records. On October 8, 1996, Petitioner's agent returned to Respondent to perform the SRX License inspection. She requested to review the same records. As before, Barakos informed Petitioner's agent that he did not have the requested records. Barakos indicated to Petitioner's agent that the only records that he maintained were guest checks which had credit card charges; he did not maintain other guest checks or z-tapes. Further, he indicated that his procedure was to copy the information from z-tapes and guest receipts on separate sheets of paper, referred to as sales sheets, and to provide his accountant with the sales sheets. Respondent's accountant performs a "compilation" on a monthly basis of monthly sales from information provided to her by Barakos. Monthly, the accountant meets with Barakos and obtains from him sales sheets showing daily receipts and total sales per day for the entire month. Also, Barakos provides the accountant with bank statements, purchase orders, stubs from guest checks with credit card charges and, occasionally, z-tapes. At times, the accountant obtains some of the information over the telephone from Barakos. She inputs the information from the sales sheets on computer. From the information provided, the accountant totals the daily receipts and computes sales tax. Afterwards, she returns to Barakos all of the items that he provided to her. The accountant is unable to verify or certify the accuracy of the monthly sales records. At the inspection, Barakos did provide Petitioner's agent with sales sheets. However, the sales sheets failed to differentiate between food and alcoholic beverages. Without the requested records which are the original documentation, no verification of food and alcohol revenue could be made by Petitioner's agent. Therefore, she was unable to determine whether 51 percent of Respondent's gross revenue was from food and non-alcoholic beverages sales. Further, regarding maintaining past records, Barakos had maintained his almost nine years of records, including z- tapes, in boxes located in a shed. He discarded the boxes of records after they got wet and became moldy, not believing that he would ever be audited by Petitioner. Barakos discarded the records without improper motive. Because he had discarded the records, Barakos was unable to produce them to Petitioner's agent. At no time material hereto did Petitioner receive from Respondent a request to maintain its records at a location other than on Respondent's premises. Additionally, at the inspection, Petitioner's agent inspected Respondent's seating. She found Respondent not to be in compliance with the required minimum seating of 150 seats, having only 125 seats. Barakos indicated that he would add the additional seats without delay to bring Respondent into compliance. Further, Petitioner's agent inspected Respondent's square footage. She found Respondent to be in compliance with the minimum square footage requirement of 2,500 square feet.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco enter a final order: Imposing a $1,000 civil penalty against B & K Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Nipper's Restaurant; and Revoking the Alcoholic Beverage Special Restaurant License of B & K Restaurant, Inc., d/b/a Nipper's Restaurant, i.e., License No. 60-02856 SRX without prejudice to obtain any other type license, but with prejudice to obtain another SRX special license for 5 years, with the revocation being suspended under terms and conditions that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco deems appropriate. DONE AND ENTERED this 16th day of June, 1997, in Tallahassee, Florida. ERROL H. POWELL Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 16th day of June, 1997.
