Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto, respondent, Willie Coachman, was a licensed beer vendor having been issued license number 39-02165 by petitioner, Department of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (Division). Respondent uses his license at a business known as Willie's Fina Station located at 1312 East Columbus Drive, Tampa, Florida. The license is a Series 1-APS which authorizes Coachman to sell beer by package only for consumption off premises. On August 17, 1988 a Division investigator, Keith B. Hamilton, conducted an investigation of Coachman's licensed premises to determine if respondent was selling beer. He did so since Coachman's license was then under a suspension. After finding the beer coolers sealed with tape, Hamilton left the premises and stood outside the front door. He then observed a black male enter the premises carrying two boxes filled with cartons of cigarettes. The black male gave them to the store clerk, and Hamilton observed the clerk pay the male $80 from the cash register for the cigarettes. The cigarettes were then placed on the floor near Coachman's office. The male was not driving a vendor's truck nor was he dressed in a vendor's uniform. Hamilton telephoned another Division investigator, William P. Fisher, who came to the premises some ninety minutes later. The two entered Coachman's store, identified themselves to a clerk and inspected the stock room. According to Hamilton, Coachman is authorized to buy cigarettes from two area cigarette wholesale distributors, Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) and Eli Witt Corporation (Eli Witt). Each wholesaler has a distinctive stamp on its cigarette packages so that an investigator can easily determine from which wholesaler a vendor obtained cigarettes. Upon examining the cigarettes in Coachman's stock room, including the two boxes just sold to the cashier, Hamilton and Fisher noted that approximately 3,137 packs did not have a Costco or Eli Witt stamp. After the clerk could not produce invoices to verify that the cigarettes were purchased from a licensed wholesale dealer, the 3,137 packs were seized and taken to an evidence vault. At that time, the clerk acknowledged that Coachman had authorized her to make cigarette purchases from patrons. Coachman arrived at the premises as the investigators were leaving. He objected to the seizure saying that some of the cigarettes being taken were "good." Coachman was told the cigarettes would be returned if he could produce invoices establishing that they were validly purchased. During the course of the inspection on August 17, investigator Fisher observed nine bottles of Chivas Regal Scotch on a desk in Coachman's office. The bottles were unopened. According to Hamilton, it is unlawful for a beer vendor to have such alcoholic beverages on the premises even for personal consumption. Thus, even though Coachman maintained, without contradiction, that the scotch was for his own use, it was improper for him to store the same on his premises. After the cigarettes were placed in the evidence vault, Coachman produced certain invoices for the Division and also had several wholesalers telephone the Division to confirm various sales to Coachman. This resulted in 540 packs being returned to Coachman. Some 2,502 packs still remain in the Division's custody. At hearing, Coachman indicated that he normally buys some $30,000 to $40,000 of cigarettes monthly from various wholesalers. Also, he offered into evidence various receipts for purchases made in July and August 1988 and documentation verifying that a large quantity of cigarettes was obtained through transfers (exchanges) of cigarettes with other vendors. This latter situation occurs whenever one vendor has a slow-moving brand and exchanges them for a different brand with another vendor. However, each transfer must be documented with paperwork. The Division did not inventory the seized cigarettes by brand or dealer. Its evidence vault receipt, which has been received in evidence as petitioner's exhibit 3, reflected only that 2502 packs of cigarettes were taken. However, by credible testimony it was established that none of the confiscated cigarettes had indicia to show that they were purchased from Costco or Eli Witt. This was not contradicted. On the evening of August 31, 1988 investigator Turner and two informants carried fifteen cases of beer to another licensed premises operated by Coachman. The beer was transported in an unmarked, private vehicle. They offered to sell the beer to Coachman for $4.00 per case but then agreed to sell it for $3.00 per case, which is substantially below the fair and wholesale market value. The sale took place at the house of Coachman's children but Turner was paid with monies from respondent's cash register. Prior to the sale, Division personnel placed special markings on the bottom of the cans for identification purposes so that they could be later identified. On September 6, 1988 investigator Freese went inside respondent's premises and purchased a six pack of Busch beer for $2.69. The package was one of those previously sold to Coachman on August 31. Coachman denied reselling the Busch beer and contended it was purchased for personal consumption and use by his children. However, this testimony is not accepted as being credible. Also, he contended that all cigarettes were legally purchased from wholesalers or by exchange with other dealers and that he had appropriate documentation on hand at all times. However, such documentation was not on hand on the night the cigarettes were taken, and Coachman did not show that any of the cigarettes referred to on the documents supplied at hearing were the same that were seized by the investigators on August 17. Thus, the documentation was not sufficient. Coachman's license has been subject to disciplinary action on two other occasions. It was first suspended for thirty days effective January 6, 1987 for Coachman dealing in stolen property and purchasing cigarettes from other than a wholesale dealer. It was suspended a second time for a twenty day period effective August 9, 1988 for respondent (a) purchasing cigarettes from other than a wholesale dealer, (b) failing to maintain invoices of cigarette purchases on the premises, (c) possessing beverages not permitted to be sold under his license, (d) gambling and possession of gambling paraphernalia, and (e) conducting a prohibited lottery. Under petitioner's policy, as explicated at hearing, a license is revoked after repeat violations occur.
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, as amended, and that his APS license number 39-02165 be REVOKED. DONE and ENTERED this 23rd day of March, 1989, 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 23rd day of March, 1989.
Findings Of Fact The Parties. The Petitioner the Department of Business Regulation and Professional Regulation Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (hereinafter referred to as the "Division") is an agency of the State of Florida charged with responsibility for enforcing Chapter 561 Florida Statutes. The Respondent Riffy's Inc. d/b/a Riffy's Pub (hereinafter referred to as "Riffy's") is a corporation. Scott Grant possesses an ownership interest in Riffy's. At all times relevant to this proceeding Riffy's held Florida alcoholic beverage license number 19-00616 series 2-COP (hereinafter referred to as the "License"). The License authorized Riffy's to sell and possess alcoholic beverages beer and wine only on the premises of Riffy's located at 948 S.W. U.S. Highway 41 Inverness Citrus County Florida. The Division's Investigation of Riffy's. Between September 15 1993 and December 15 1993 the Division conducted an investigation of possible narcotic laws violations at Riffy's. Special Agents Michael Bays Richard Hulburt Denise Deen Ashley Murray and Dean Pescia participated in the investigation. Throughout the investigation the agents involved who had the opportunity to smoke marijuana at Riffy's simulated smoking. No marijuana was ingested so that the agents' perception would not be affected. On a number of occasions the agents witnessed the smoking of cigarettes which appeared to be marijuana. The conclusion that marijuana may have been smoked was based upon the agents' observation of the manner in which the cigarettes were smoked and the smell of what was being smoked. Unless specifically indicated otherwise in findings of fact made in this Recommended Order the evidence failed to prove that marijuana or cannabis was actually being smoked. The findings concerning those incidents are made only as evidence of whether the owner of Riffy's should have suspected that illegal activities were taking place on or near the licensed premises. Results of the Division's Investigation. September 16 1993; Count 1: Agent Hurlburt entered the licensed premises of Riffy's (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises"). Agent Hurlburt met and spoke with a patron named Neil. After discussing the consumption of marijuana Agent Hurlburt and Neil left the Premises and went to a vehicle in the parking lot of the Premises. The parking lot was for the use of patrons of Riffy's. Agent Hurlburt purchased a cigarette suspected of being marijuana from Neil. Analysis of the cigarette revealed that it was cannabis commonly known as marijuana. Agent Hurlburt simulated smoking another suspected marijuana cigarette with three other patrons. A female patron suggested to them that they go around to the side of the Premises to smoke. The purchase and smoking of the marijuana cigarette took place approximately 15 to 20 feet from the Premises. The evidence failed to prove that Mr. Grant or any employee of Riffy's witnessed these events or that Mr. Grant was at the Premises. September 30 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt observed several patrons leave the Premises and go to the east side of the Premises where the female patron had suggested that Agent Hurlburt go to smoke on September 16 1993. They were then observed smoking a cigarette in a manner consistent with the manner in which marijuana cigarettes are smoked: the "joint" is held near the front end with the thumb and forefinger. The smell of the burning material was also consistent with the smell of marijuana. There were windows at the east side of the Premises. Patrons were allowed to smoke cigarettes in the Premises. They were not required to go into the parking lot of Riffy's in order to smoke. d. The individuals involved returned to the Premises. October 6 1993; Count 2: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. He met an employee known as Mike. Mike was later identified as Mike Smith. Mike was a doorman for Riffy's. He collected entrance fees from patrons. Agent Hurlburt told Mike that he wished to purchase marijuana. Mike did not indicate that this was not permissible on the Premises. Mike told Agent Hurlburt that he could not get any marijuana that night but that he would have some the next night. Agent Hurlburt paid Mike for the marijuana that night with the agreement that delivery would be made the next night. The purchase was made in an open manner. No effort was made to speak softly or to hide the exchange of money. October 7 1993; Count 2: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises and met with Mike. Mike directed Agent Hurlburt to the restroom. Mike gave Agent Hurlburt a plastic bag containing 5.5 grams of cannabis. October 14 1993; Count 3 and 4. Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Several patrons were witnessed leaving the Premises during a break by the band playing that night smoking what Agent Hurlburt believed to be marijuana and return to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt purchased 5.3 grams of cannabis from Mike. The sale took place in the restroom. Agent Hurlburt also purchased what Mike called "percs". The percs were percocet which were found to contain oxycodone. This transaction also took place in the restroom. October 22 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt attempted to purchase marijuana from Mike but Mike was unable to supply any. October 28 1993; Count 5: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises and asked Mike if he could purchase marijuana. Mike sold marijuana to Agent Hurlburt. The money for the marijuana was given openly to Mike inside the Premises. Later Mike gave the marijuana to Agent Hurlburt: Agent Hurlburt was on a concrete slab just outside the front door of the Premises. Mike held the entrance door open and stepped onto the concrete slab where he gave the marijuana to Agent Hurlburt. The marijuana purchased consisted of 5.5 grams of cannabis. October 30 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned and twice simulated smoking marijuana with patrons and "Ron" a member of the band playing at Riffy's that night. These incidents took place outside the Premises in the parking lot. November 4 1993; Count 6: Agent Hurlburt returned and asked Mike to sell him marijuana. Mike agreed to sell 5.1 grams of cannabis to Agent Hurlburt. This agreement was reached in the Premises. Delivery took place just outside the front door the Premises. November 17 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt attempted to purchase marijuana from an employee of Riffy's known as Crystal. Crystal indicated she was unable to find any that night. Crystal did not indicate that marijuana was not allowed on the Premises. Agent Hurlburt left the Premises and sat in a car in the parking lot with a patron known as "Keith." The car was parked in the front of the Premises. Agent Hurlburt simulated smoking what he believed to be marijuana based upon its odor and the manner in which Keith smoked the cigarette. The car windows were open. While in the car with Keith and while the cigarette was burning Mr. Grant and Casey manager of Riffy's walked immediately in front of the car. Casey laughing asked "what are you guys doing." Keith responded "what do you think." November 18 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises and attempted to buy marijuana from Crystal. Crystal again told Agent Hurlburt that she could not find any marijuana that night. She again failed to tell Agent Hurlburt that Marijuana could not be purchased at the Premises. November 19 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt observed several patrons smoking what appeared to be marijuana cigarettes in the parking lot of the Premises. They did not attempt to hide what they were doing. The patrons returned to the Premises after smoking. November 20 1993: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. He again observed patrons smoking what appeared to be marijuana cigarettes outside the Premises in the parking lot. The patrons then returned to the Premises. Mike approached Agent Hurlburt inside the Premises and asked if he was interested in purchasing marijuana. Mike was not able however to provide marijuana that night. November 24 1993; Count 7: Agent Deen and Agent Murray went to the Premises together. The agents met Kenny Smith an employee of Riffy's. Kenny worked in the kitchen. Kenny took the agents out of the kitchen through a door to the back of the Premises to smoke what appeared to be and Kenny identified as a marijuana cigarette. The agents simulated smoking the cigarette with Kenny. Kenny also sold a 6.2 grams of cannabis to Agents Deen and Murray. The sale took place outside in the back of the Premises near the kitchen door. c. Mr. Grant was on the Premises when this transaction took place. November 24 1993; Counts 8 and 9: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt asked Mike about purchasing marijuana. Mike agreed. This conversation took place in the Premises. Mike delivered the marijuana just outside the Premises at the front door. Agent Hurlburt was sold 6.5 grams of cannabis. Agent Hurlburt also simulated smoking marijuana with other patrons outside the Premises in the rear near the kitchen door. Agent Hurlburt also purchased 5.4 grams of cannabis from a patron named "Dave." This sale took place outside the Premises. Mr. Grant was on the Premises when these events took place. December 1 1993; Count 10: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Agent Hurlburt purchased 7.1 grams of cannabis from Mike. The sale took place inside the Premises at the front door. Mr. Grant was on the Premises when the sale took place. December 2 1993; Count 11: Agent Deen and Murray returned to the Premises. The agents were introduced by Kenny to Mr. Grant in the kitchen of the Premises. Inside the Premises Kenny gave Agent Deen what he described as a marijuana cigarette. Kenny smoked the cigarette and Agent Deen simulated smoking it just outside the kitchen door. Kenny sold 3.9 grams of cannabis to the agents outside the kitchen door. December 3 1993: Agent Deen and Agent Murray returned to the Premises. The agents simulated smoking a marijuana cigarette with Kenny outside the kitchen door. The cigarette contained .1 grams of cannabis. Casey opened the kitchen door while they were smoking the marijuana and told Kenny to come inside. December 4 1993; Count 12: Agent Deen and Agent Murray returned to the Premises. Kenny told the agent to wait for him outside the kitchen door where they simulated smoking what they believed to be a marijuana cigarette. While simulating smoking the cigarette Mr. Grant was at his truck approximately 15 feet away. Mr. Grant was speaking on a mobile telephone. The agents and Kenny were in plain view of Mr. Grant. The agents also purchased 2.4 grams of cannabis from Kenny at the same location. December 9 1993; Count 13: Agent Deen and Agent Murray returned to the Premises. Kenny sold and delivered 2.4 grams of cannabis to the agents in a room used by the bands that played at Riffy's. The room is part of the Premises. The agents also simulated smoking what they believed was marijuana with Kenny and a band member outside the kitchen door. Mr. Grant was only a few feet away when the agents were simulating smoking. Mr. Grant who admitted he is familiar with the smell of marijuana was close enough to smell what was being smoked and did not make any inquiry as to what the patrons were doing. December 2 and 9 1993: a. Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises on these dates. 30b. Agent Hurlburt observed patrons exist the Premises smoke what appeared to be marijuana in the parking lot and return to the Premises. Mr. Grant was outside the Premises on December 2 1993 when patrons were smoking outside. December 10 1993; Count 14: Agent Hurlburt returned to the Premises. Mr. Grant was present at the Premises. Agent Hurlburt told Mr. Grant that he had purchased marijuana "here." Agent Hurlburt did not specify whether "here" meant the Premises Inverness or somewhere else. Mr. Grant however did not ask Agent Hurlburt whether he meant the Premises. Agent Hurlburt then asked Mr. Grant if he knew where he could purchase some sensemilla a type of marijuana. Mr. Grant indicated that he did not known where. Mr. Grant did not indicate that he did not allow the purchase or use of narcotics on the Premises. Agent Hurlburt also purchased 6.5 grams of cannabis from Mike that evening. The money was given to Mike inside the Premises and Mike gave Agent Hurlburt the marijuana inside the Premises. December 15 1993: The Division served a Search Warrant Notice to Show Cause and Emergency Order of Suspension on Riffy's. Agent Deen arrested Kenny and confiscated a bag of marijuana from Kenny. The bag contained 2.4 grams of cannabis. A bottle of Jim Bean whiskey was found in a room on the premises used by bands. All of the uses sales and delivery of marijuana described in the foregoing findings of fact took place in a relatively open manner and little effort was taken to disguise or conceal any illegal activity. Riffy's Efforts to Prevent Violations of Law. Mr. Grant testified that he instructed employees to not to engage in drug activities. One employee substantiated this testimony but that employee was Kenny one of the individuals involved in illegal activities on and near the Premises. Mr. Grant's and Kenny's testimony concerning efforts to prevent illegal activities on the Premises is rejected. There was not other evidence of efforts by the owners of Riffy's to insure that illegal activities did not take place on the Premises. In light of the open use of what appeared to be and smelled like marijuana in the parking lot of the Premises Mr. Grant should have taken some steps to prevent illegal narcotics activities on the Premises described in this Recommended Order. This is especially true based upon Mr. Grant's admission during the hearing of this matter that he smelled what he believed to be marijuana smoke "on the way to the dumpster."
Recommendation Based upon 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 finding that Riffy's Inc. d/b/a Riffy's Pub is guilty of Counts 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 11 13 14 and 16 of case number 94-0606. It is further RECOMMENDED that Counts 1 7 12 15 and 17 of case number 94-606 be dismissed. It is further RECOMMENDED that Riffy's alcoholic beverage license number 19-00616 series 2-COP be revoked. It is further RECOMMENDED that Riffy's be assessed a $1000.00 civil penalty. DONE AND ENTERED this 14th day of June 1994 in Tallahassee Florida. LARRY J. SARTIN 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 14th day of June 1994. APPENDIX Case Numbers 94-0606 and 94-1348 The parties have submitted proposed findings of fact. It has been noted below which proposed findings of fact have been generally accepted and the paragraph number(s) in the Recommended Order where they have been accepted if any. Those proposed findings of fact which have been rejected and the reason for their rejection have also been noted. The Division's Proposed Findings of Fact Accepted in 4. Accepted in 5-6 31 and hereby accepted. Hereby accepted. Accepted in 7 and 9. Accepted in 7. Accepted in 10. Accepted in 11. Accepted in 12. Accepted in 13. Accepted in 14-15. The events described in the first sentence took place on October 22 1993. Accepted in 16. Accepted in 17. Accepted in 18. Accepted in 19-21. Accepted in 23. Accepted in 8 and hereby accepted. Accepted in 22. Accepted in 24. Accepted in 25. Accepted in 26. Accepted in 27. Accepted in 27. Accepted in 28. Accepted in 30. Accepted in 31. Accepted in 32. Riffy's Proposed Findings of Fact Accepted in 4. Accepted in 3. Not supported by the evidence. Accepted in 24. Accepted in 11. Accepted in 24. The evidence did fail to prove that Mr. Grant had actual knowledge of these events. Accepted in 22. Accepted in 28. See 28. Accepted in 30. Accepted in 30. Not supported by the weight of the evidence. Statement of law. Not supported by the weight of the evidence. Statement of law. Accepted in 17. Accepted in 4. Statement of law. COPIES FURNISHED: Miguel Oxamendi Assistant General Counsel Department of Business and Professional Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee Florida 32399-1007 Stephen C. Booth Esquire 7510 Ridge Road Port Richey Florida 34668 Sgt. Homer Scroggin Department of Business and Professional Regulation 1103 SW 1st Avenue Ocala Florida 32678-4218 Jack McRay DBPR Acting General Counsel Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399-0792 John J. Harris Acting Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Northwood Centre 1940 North Monroe Street Tallahassee FL 32399-0792
The Issue The issue in this case is whether Respondent failed to pay tax surcharges, penalties, and interest owed on the sale of cigarettes, and, if so, the amount that is currently due and owing.
Findings Of Fact The Department is the state agency responsible for monitoring the sale of tobacco products and for assuring that all businesses selling such products pay the requisite surcharges on each pack of cigarettes sold. Respondent is a convenience store which is licensed to sell tobacco products. The store also sells alcoholic beverages, food items, and miscellaneous other products. The sales tax associated with the sale of tobacco products (only) is at issue in this proceeding. The 2009 Florida Legislature enacted legislation imposing a $1.00 per pack surcharge on each pack of cigarettes sold in this state beginning July 1, 2009. Retailers having a cigarette inventory and, as of that date, would be required to pay a "floor tax" of $1.00 per pack in their inventory. In February 2010, the Department received a letter from an anonymous source (who identified himself as "A Good Civilian (Business Owner) (Who always pays tax)[sic]." The letter had a flyer attached to it which had been distributed by Respondent. The flyer identified a number of products for which buyers could realize "[t]he lowest prices in Polk County." Included in the list of products were various tobacco items, including cigarettes. The anonymous source's letter suggested that anyone who could sell the tobacco products at those prices must be doing something illegal. Based on the allegations in the anonymous letter, the Department decided to investigate. A team was sent to one of Respondent's stores (hereinafter referred to as "Store 1") on February 18, 2010. The team did an inventory of tobacco products at Store 1. There were 2,855 packs of cigarettes at Store 1. Some of the cigarettes were in individual packs; some were still in cartons (which contain ten packs each). The cigarette packs had the requisite state stamp on them. However, most of the packs had a stamp which had been in existence prior to the change in law on July 1, 2009. The fact that most of Store 1's cigarette packs had the old stamp meant that the cigarettes had been around for a while. The inventory eventually formed the basis for an audit performed on Respondent's other store ("Store 2"). Store 2 had just recently opened and was stocked with cigarettes brought over from Store 1. There were, therefore, no invoices available at Store 2 as to the purchase of the cigarettes it had on hand. The audit process involved a determination of distributors from which Respondent purchased its cigarettes. The two primary distributors were Sam's Club and Dosal. The Department ascertained from those distributors how many packs of cigarettes Respondent had purchased over a given span of time. Sam's Club provided records seeming to indicate the purchase of 37,770 packs between February 1 and June 29, 2009; another 9,090 packs were purchased between July 4, 2009, and January 29, 2010. Dosal said 65,490 packs had been purchased between March 3 and June 23, 2009; another 17,800 were purchased between July and December 2009. An audit investigation was commenced at Store 2 on March 17, 2010. The auditors did not ascertain the actual number of packs of cigarettes on hand at the store on that date. The auditors talked with the owners of the stores (Salah Rabi and his brother, Mohammed Rabi) about their sales history. Pursuant to requests of the auditors, the owners also sent in some additional records reflecting their sale of cigarettes. In order to calculate the number of cigarette packs sold by Store 2 during a four-month period, the auditors determined how much business the store had done in all products (including non-tobacco products) for that period. Respondent gave the Department a list of daily sales on all products sold and the taxes paid on those products for the period February 2009 through January 2010. The average monthly sales amount for the store during the audit period was $25,000. However, the Department found the information provided by Respondent to be incomplete and, thus, unreliable. The auditors then assumed that 80 percent of the store's sales were for cigarettes1/ and that the average price per pack was $4.50. Using this formula, the auditors found that approximately 4,444 packs of cigarettes were sold each month, which the auditors rounded up to 4,500. Thus, for the audit period, the auditors estimated that 18,000 packs of cigarettes were sold. Neither of the auditors testified at final hearing as to the reasonableness of the formula or as to their alleged conversations with the owners. Based on their findings, the auditors concluded that Respondents owe a balance of $77,798.23. That figure was derived as follows: Total packs purchased 3/09 - 6/09 from Dosal 65,490 from Sam's 37,770 Total purchases prior to 7/1/09 103,260 Estimated monthly sales at 4,500 packs per month for four months 18,000 Total estimated inventory on 7/1/09 85,260 Floor tax due on estimated inventory $85,260 Floor tax paid $ 4,963,09 Unpaid floor tax $80,296.91 Overpayment on other tobacco product $(2,498.54) Total cigarette floor tax due $77,798.37 Missing from the evidence presented was any statement by the Department as to whether, on March 17, 2010, or any other date, there were 80,000-plus packs of cigarettes visible at the store. It seems plausible that so many packs, even if in cartons of 10 packs apiece, would be easy to identify. Respondent refutes the basic premise of the auditor's findings. Using cash register receipts (called Z Tapes) from March and May 2009 (two of the four months at issue), Respondent was able to establish a more accurate percentage of cigarette sales versus all products sold. The Z Tapes are printed out each day by way of turning a key on the cash register. The tapes print out a receipt showing the date, the number of packs of cigarettes sold, the number of food items sold, and the number of taxable items sold. According to the Z Tapes, close to 90 percent2/ of Store 2's total sales for those months were cigarette sales, i.e., a much higher percentage than used by the auditors. The evidence presented by the owners is credible and persuasive. Respondent also provided a calculation of its price per pack of cigarettes. The price depends, in part, on how much they pay the distributors for each pack or carton of cigarettes. Of its four best selling cigarettes, the following costs were determined for the period March through June 2009: Brand Cost Markup Markup% Price 305's 2.93 .06 2 2.99 Marlboro 4.66 .08 1.7 4.74 Romy 2.75 .21 7.0 2.96 Newport 4.45 .34 7.6 4.79 Then, using the inventory of products on hand, a weighted average markup percentage was calculated as follows: Brand Weighted Number Weighted Cost Weighted Price Markup 305's 5,900 17,287 $17,641 Marlboro 1,957 9,394 9,276 Romy 1,611 4,430 4,769 Newport 108 454 517 TOTAL 31,565 $32,203 2.02% Based on the foregoing calculation, the owners estimated an average price per pack of $3.00, i.e., much less than the $4.50 per pack figure utilized by the auditors. The unrefuted testimony of the owners is credible and seems reasonable based upon the facts. Inasmuch as neither of the auditors was available to provide further justification for their price-per-pack estimation, the owners' calculation is accepted for use in this proceeding. Respondent purchased 91,520 packs of cigarettes during the period of March 2009 through June 2009. Respondent sold 55,634 packs of cigarettes during that same period. The average price per pack sold was $3.00 (three dollars). Based on the foregoing, Respondent had a floor inventory of 35,886 packs of cigarettes on July 1, 2009. Respondent paid a cigarette surcharge floor tax of $4,963.09 on July 15, 2009. Respondent also overpaid its floor tax for other tobacco products by $2,948.54 for a total of $7,815.83 in payments to the Department. That amount should be credited against any tax liability determined in this proceeding. The Department provided bank statements for Store 1 and Store 2 showing much larger monthly transactions than evidenced by the stores' sale of products. That fact raised a red flag justifying further investigation into Respondent's business. However, the discrepancy was explained by the fact that Respondent does a large amount of check-cashing business at its stores. The large bank transactions are not relevant to the issue in this proceeding.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be entered by Petitioner, Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, imposing a cigarette surcharge in the amount of $35,886 (thirty-five thousand, eight hundred and eighty-six dollars) against Respondent, Discount Zone, Inc., d/b/a Lakeland Discount Beverage, Inc., minus $7,815.83 already paid. DONE AND ENTERED this 12th day of May, 2011, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S R. BRUCE MCKIBBEN 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 12th day of May, 2011.
The Issue Whether the licensee fostered, condoned and/or negligently overlooked trafficking in and use of illegal narcotics and controlled substances on or about the licensed premises, failed to exercise due diligence in supervising its employees; and whether the licensed premises constitute a public nuisance as defined in Section 823.10, Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto, Chessor & McIntire, Inc., held alcoholic beverage license number 63-00525, series 4-COP, for a licensed premises known as Barry's II, located at Highway 92 and Fairway Avenue, Lakeland, Florida. Barry McIntire owns 50 percent of the stock and is president of the corporation. Richard Chessor owns the other 50 percent of the stock. Following receipt of complaints that Barry's II was the site of illegal drug activities, the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco contacted the Polk County sheriff's Office; and a joint undercover investigation was instituted. This investigation started in May 1990 and ended on September 14, 1990. DABT agents entered Barry's II (the bar) on the evening of May 29, 1990, and during the early morning hours of May 30, 1990 agent West purchased a quarter gram of cocaine from a female patron of the bar. The purchase took place inside the premises. Barry McIntire was seated at his usual place at the bar some 15 feet from the end of the bar where the transaction occurred. Apparently, it was after this purchase that DABT contacted the Sheriff's Office, and the joint investigation commenced. Undercover activities in the bar picked up in August 1990 when special agent Moore of the Polk County Sheriff's Department became a frequent visitor in the bar. Deputy Sheriff Moore first entered the bar August 16, 1990 with DABT agent Green and a confidential informant (CI). On this date, Moore purchased methamphetamine (crank) from an employee, Robert Hollis (Bob) who worked as bouncer at the bar. This transaction occurred in the men's room on the licensed premises. On August 21, 1990, Moore again entered the licensed premises and was approached by employee Bob who inquired if he was interested in purchasing crank, and when Moore replied in the affirmative, Bob introduced Moore to Rick, a former employee of the bar, who sold Moore crank. This transaction took place just outside the bar in the parking lot. Later this same evening, Rick again sold crank to Moore with the transaction taking place in the parking lot. On August 22, 23, 24, 28, and September 4, Rick sold crank to Moore with the contact made inside the bar and the transaction occurring in the parking lot. On August 23, 1990, Moore was approached inside the bar by another bouncer, "Tiny", who asked if Moore had a knife he could borrow. Tiny returned shortly thereafter, returned Moore's knife and stated he just did a "bodacious line of crank", indicating about 2 inches. On August 29, 1990, Agent Green, Deputy Moore, and the CI, exited the bar to look for Rick in the parking lot. There they observed six patrons of the bar passing around a joint which each was smoking. The smoke smelled like marijuana. Later in the bar, an unidentified female patron asked Moore if he had any rolling paper so she could prepare a marijuana cigarette. Moore gave her a rolling paper. On or about September 4, 1990, while Agent Green was in the bar, he was approached by waitress Kathy who asked if he was looking for anything. When Green replied yes, Kathy left and returned a short time later from the rear of the bar. She then handed Green a small plastic bag containing crank, and Green gave her $25. On September 5, 1990, DABT Agents West and Green, and Deputy Moore, while in the bar, were told by Bob to go out back of the licensed premises. Outside, Moore found Rick who announced he had some "good weed" (marijuana) . Moore gave Rick $35 for a small bag of this marijuana. On the same date, waitress Kathy sold crank to Agent Green inside the bar; and Debbie Hollis, the ex-wife of Bob, sold crank to Moore outside the bar. On September 6, 1990, Moore was approached by waitress Julie inside the bar, and she asked if he wanted some crank. Moore replied "yes" and handed Julie $25. She returned shortly thereafter and handed Moore, who was standing near the cigarette machine, a quarter gram of crank. On the same date, Moore was twice asked by Julie if he wanted to join her in smoking marijuana in the parking lot. Moore simulated smoking the joint and retained the butts which were later determined to be marijuana. On September 8, 1990, Deputy Moore, while in the bar, was approached by Julie who inquired if he had a blade. He gave her his knife, which she returned some five minutes later and asked if he wanted any crank. Moore responded "no". Shortly before 2 a.m. the next morning, Julie gave Moore a small package of crank saying this is for the use of your knife. The same evening, September 8th, Agent Green purchased crank from an employee named Sheila who delivered it to him in a cigarette package inside the bar. On September 11, 1990, Deputy Moore was approached inside the bar by Rick. They went outside to the parking lot where Moore bought both cocaine and crank from Rick. On September 12, 1990, Agent Green approached inside the bar by employee Kathy who inquired if he wanted "any" and said she had two kinds of [crank] that night. Green later purchased one quarter gram of "white methamphetamine" from Kathy in the parking lot. On September 13, 1990, Deputy Moore followed McIntire to his office and asked McIntire if he could get Moore anything to "perk him up". McIntire told him he didn't do drugs, didn't condone drugs, but said "God bless you" when Moore departed. Following many of these transactions, the undercover agents held the packages they had purchased up to the light of the cigarette machine to examine the quantity in such a manner that could readily be seen by patrons and others in the bar. They frequently showed these baggies to waitresses who smiled with the appearance of recognizing the contents of the baggies. Robert W. Hollis (Bob) confirmed that Barry's had a policy of firing employees who sold drugs, but nobody was banned or kicked out of the bar for using drugs; and that there were too many people using drugs to kick everybody out. Hollis told Rick not to sell inside the bar, but to do his transactions outside. Barry McIntire came to the bar almost every night around 10 p.m. and stayed until closing at 2 a.m., except weekends when he came in around 8 p.m. Most of the time McIntire was seated at the bar where he could observe the patrons and employees. McIntire testified he doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs, and that he doesn't condone the use of drugs. He has a policy not to allow drugs being sold on the premises, and if employees are observed doing drugs on the premises they are fired immediately. He also testified that he walks around in the bar occasionally and also strolls outside into the parking lot. He further testified that nobody can say he doesn't know what is going on in the bar and parking lot and that drugs are everywhere. The bar was raided on September 14, 1990 by sheriff's deputies and DABT agents who also searched the premises. Several arrests were made, but no controlled substances were found on the licensed premises.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is recommended that a Final Order be entered finding Chessor & McIntire, d/b/a Barry's II, guilty of violating Section 561.29(1)(a) and (c), Florida Statutes, and revoking the license of Chessor & McIntire, d/b/a Barry's II, and assessing an administrative fine of $7500. ENTERED this 18th day of January, 1991, in Tallahassee, Florida. K. N. AYERS 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 18th day of January, 1990. COPIES FURNISHED: Robin Suarez, Esquire Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building 725 S. Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1000 Richard D. Mars, Esquire Post Office Box 1276 Bartow, FL 33830 Joseph Sole Secretary Department of Business Regulation The Johns Building 725 S. Bronough Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1000
Findings Of Fact Respondent is the holder of a beverage license grand-fathered in by Section 561.20(2)(b), Florida Statutes (1975), which has as a condition that respondent maintain facilities for serving full course meals to 200 patrons. After being closed for some years, respondent reopened for business on May 13, 1977. David Maloney was hired as cook and manager and became an officer of respondent. On June 3, 1977, Mr. Grady Leon Broxton, Jr., a beverage officer in petitioner's employ, inspected respondent's premises and inventoried chairs, tables, and tableware. He found 204 chairs and 51 tables, 176 plates, 125 forks, 80 knives, 250 bread dishes, 250 salad bowls, 86 cups and less than 200 spoons. Accordingly, Officer Broxton issued a formal notice of these deficiencies, directing respondent to bring up to 200 the numbers of plates, spoons, forks, knives and cups. When Officer Broxton returned on June 9, 1977, he found that respondent had cured the deficiencies and was in full compliance with the conditions of its license. By enacting Florida Laws Chapter 77-409, the 1977 Legislature increased the excise tax on packages containing 20 cigarettes from 17 to 21 cents per package, effective July 1, 1977, Florida Laws, Chapter 77-409, ss. 1 and 5. On July 7, 1977, Officer Broxton entered respondent's premises and advised David Maloney that he should multiply by $.04 the number of cigarette packages respondent had for sale on July 1, 1977, and send a check or money order in that amount to petitioner. Officer Broxton noticed approximately five cartons of cigarettes on the premises at that time. On July 10, 1977, David Maloney wrote petitioner that, as of July 1, 1977, "only two packs of cigarettes were on hand," petitioner's exhibit No. 2, and enclosed a check in the amount of eight cents ($.08). In the cover letter, Mr. Maloney addressed petitioner's employees as "you Assholes." Shortly after mailing the letter and check, Mr. Maloney quit respondent's employ without notice. When respondent's president, William B. Miller, III, discovered that Mr. Maloney had left, he also noticed that cigarettes, liquor and silverware were missing. On July 21, 1977, petitioner's Lieutenant George Fader entered respondent's premises and noticed customers drinking alcoholic beverages at the bar. He introduced himself to Mrs. Miller, who was behind the bar. She said the eight cents ($.08) must have been a mistake and that Mr. Maloney had gone but that she did not know where. Lt. Fader noticed that there was a pool table in the restaurant. At the time of Lt. Fader's visit, Mr. Miller was at respondent's bank putting in stop payment orders for fear Mr. Maloney might have drawn checks on respondent's account for unauthorized purposes. Before leaving, Lt. Fader made a hurried count of chairs, exclusive of folding chairs, and concluded that there were some 185 on the premises. The following day, Lt. Fader and Officer Broxton returned to respondent's premises and advised Mr. Miller that respondent could be charged criminally with tax fraud. When petitioner's agents told Mr. Miller that they estimated that there were 60 packages of cigarettes on the premises on July 1, 1977, Mr. Miller offered to write a check for two dollars and forty cents ($2.40). Mr. Miller wrote petitioner a check, but, at Lt. Fader's suggestion, the amount was reduced by eight cents ($.08) to two dollars and thirty-two cents ($2.32). Officer Broxton counted 44 tables and 140 chairs, excluding folding chairs, even though he had included these on his earlier visit. He did not count folding chairs on July 22, 1977, because Lt. Fader directed him not to. Officer Broxton found 121 teaspoons, 112 forks, 154 knives and 118 cups on July 22, 1977. Lt. Fader told Mr. Miller that there need not be 200 cups, if glasses and cups together numbered 200 and if there were 200 water glasses. There was no evidence as to the number of glasses on respondent's premises on July 22, 1977.
Recommendation Upon consideration of the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED: That petitioner assess a civil penalty against respondent's license in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). DONE and ENTERED this 27th day of February, 1978, in Tallahassee, Florida. ROBERT T. BENTON, II Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings Room 530, Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675 COPIES FURNISHED: Mr. Francis Bayley, Esquire The Johns Building 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32304 Mr. W. R. Phillips, Esquire Post Office Box 594 Carrabelle, Florida 32322
The Issue At issue in this proceeding is whether respondent committed the offenses set forth in the administrative action, as amended, and, if so, what disciplinary action should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact At all times material herein, respondent, Qasem Shahinda d/b/a Ismael and Son Supermarket, held alcoholic beverage license number 23-10720, series 2- APS, for the premises located at 14528 Lincoln Boulevard, Miami, Florida. At all times material hereto, respondent was authorized to receive U.S.D.A. food stamps in exchange for food items, and had received training prior to such authorization from the United States Department of Agriculture as to, inter alia, items of merchandise which could or could not be exchanged for food stamps. In December 1992, U.S.D.A. Investigator William Bethel (Bethel) and U.S.D.A. Investigative Aide Mary Pierce (Pierce) commenced an investigation of the licensed premises to ascertain whether nor not persons associated with the premises were complying with State and Federal law regarding the acceptance of U.S.D.A. food stamps. In each instance, Bethel accompanied Pierce to the premises and provided her with the U.S.D.A. food stamps used in the investigation. On December 10, 1992, Pierce entered the license premises with $30.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps. At or about 1:20 p.m. that date, a female clerk on the premises accepted food stamps in exchange for merchandise which, in addition to eligible items, included the following ineligible items: a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Beer, one pack of Winston cigarettes, one pack of Newport cigarettes, and one Massengill disposable douche. On April 14, 1993, Pierce entered the licensed premises with $65.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps. At or about 12:30 p.m., another female clerk accepted $32.79 worth of food stamps in exchange for merchandise which, in addition to eligible items, included the following ineligible items: a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Beer and one pack of Newport cigarettes. 1/ On April 14, 1993, Investigator Bethel entered the licensed premises with $45.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps in furtherance of the above described investigation. At or about 12:35 p.m., the same female clerk accepted $38.97 worth of food stamps in exchange for merchandise which, in addition to eligible items, included the following ineligible items: a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Beer, one box of Cheer detergent, and one box of Clorox dry bleach. 2/ On April 28, 1993, Pierce entered the licensed premises with $55.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps in furtherance of the above described investigation. At or about 11:40 a.m., the same female clerk she had encountered on April 14, 1993, accepted $53.85 worth of food stamps in exchange for merchandise which, in addition to eligible items, included the following ineligible items: a six-pack of Old Milwaukee Beer, one pack of Winston cigarettes, one pack of Newport cigarettes, one roll of Reynolds Foil, and one box of Hefty kitchen bags. 3/ Pierce returned to the premises on April 28, 1993, with $65.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps. At or about 11:55 a.m., Pierce met with the same female clerk and sold her the $65.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps for $25.00 in United States currency. 4/ On July 19, 1993, Pierce entered the licensed premises with $140 in U.S.D.A. food stamps in furtherance of the above described investigation. At or about 12:45 p.m., a male clerk accepted food stamps in exchange for merchandise which, in addition to eligible items, included an ineligible pack of Winston cigarettes. Moreover, the same male clerk purchased from Pierce $130.00 in U.S.D.A. food stamps (two full $65.00 books) for $70.00 in United States currency.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that a final order be rendered finding respondent guilty of the aforesaid violations and assessing a $2,000.00 civil penalty. DONE AND ORDERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 8th day of March 1995. 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 8th day of March 1995.
Findings Of Fact At all times pertinent to the allegations contained in the Notice To Show Cause, Respondent was issued Florida Alcoholic Beverage License 2APS Number 66-248 for the Plaza Grocery located at 2233 North 25th Street, Ft. Pierce, Florida. The parties stipulated, and it is found, that Respondent had the cigarettes as alleged in the Notice To Show Cause in the quantities referred to and that said cigarettes were, in fact, untaxed. The parties further stipulated that on September 15, 1983, during a search conducted by officers of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Department and the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Taxation in Respondent's premises, the officers found in the retail rack behind the counter, twenty (20) packages of Salem Menthol 100's, and nine (9) packages of Salem Menthol Light 100's, that were untaxed. The nine (9) packages indicate that one package out of a carton of ten (10) packs was missing. In addition to the above, officers found in a box behind the counter, three (3) cartons of Salem Menthol Light 100's and four (4) cartons of Salem Menthol 100's; all untaxed and mixed in the box with cartons of taxed cigarettes. In a storeroom off from the sales area, officers found fifty-one (51) cartons of Salem Menthol Light 100's and nineteen (19) cartons of Salem Menthol 100's. Detective Alfonzo Washington who has served in that capacity for two (2) years and for the Sheriff's office in other capacities for ten (10) years has known Respondent for twenty- five (25) years. On September 15, 1983, he received a report from a friend who runs a convenience store in that area that someone had offered untaxed cigarettes for sale. Because of his relationship with Respondent, Officer Washington went to the Respondent's store to warn him. Arriving sometime between 11:30 a.m. and noon, Washington talked with Respondent outside the store near his unmarked police car. Washington was in the car and Respondent was outside it. He advised Respondent that if anyone tried to sell him cigarettes to contact him; that he wanted Respondent to, "help me." Washington did not ask Respondent to buy the cigarettes if offered: only to be a lookout and to contact him if anyone offered to sell. Whether there was an actual request or not, it is clear that Respondent thought there was and he acted on what he considered to be the request of a bona fide law enforcement officer. A finding of this nature was subsequently made in Respondent's criminal trial in the same facts and while not binding in this hearing, that court order is of some probative value. Respondent did not, however call Washington when, as it appears, an individual did in fact offer to sell him cigarettes, the cigarettes in question here, later on in the day. Respondent, Boatwright, in addition to running the Plaza Grocery Store, a convenience store which sells mostly dried and prepackaged foods, wine, beer, and cigarettes, operates a fruit harvesting and hauling business. He confirms Washington's story that he was leaving his store approximately noon on September 15 when Washington approached him and asked him if anyone had offered to sell him cigarettes. Boatwright also confirms Washington's testimony that he explained what had happened but contends that Washington asked for his help in solving the case. Respondent agreed that Washington left after a very short conversation and no detailed instructions were given. Respondent then ran some errands, going to the bank, and to a car dealership, arriving back at the grocery store at approximately 2 or 2:30 p.m. While he was working on some equipment in his repair shop in back of the store, a black male who he knew as "Peanut" drove up in a blue and white Cadillac. Peanut asked Respondent if he was interested in buying any cigarettes. This immediately rang a bell with Respondent who then asked Peanut how many he had and how much he wanted. Peanut said he had about eighty (80) cartons and was willing to sell them for $400.00. When Respondent asked if he would take less, Peanut, after talking with the other individual in the car, agreed to sell the entire lot for $300.00. At this point, Respondent advised Peanut he would have to come back later in the day because he, Respondent, did not have that much money with him. If fact, Respondent did have $300.00 with him at the time and contends he used this subterfuge only to allow him time to attempt to get Washington to the store. After talking with his friends in the car, Peanut agreed to come back later and he, Peanut, took the cigarettes which were in unopened cartons packed in two (2) brown boxes, into the store and in the storeroom where Respondent told him to put them. This was approximately 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The cigarettes were placed just inside the storeroom door next to some groceries, completely out in the open. After depositing the cigarettes, Peanut indicated that he would be back between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Respondent contends that he expected Officer Washington to come by on his way home from work somewhere around 4:00 p.m. Washington agreed that he, usually, got off work and passed by the Plaza Grocery on his way home and that he sometimes stopped in to talk with Respondent. However, while Washington indicated he failed to come in more than he stopped in, Respondent contends that Washington stopped in more often than not and that it was because of this that he did not call Washington intending to see him on the way home. He indicates that if Washington went by without stopping, he was going to call Washington at home and have him come over to be there when Peanut returned. On balance, it would appear Respondent is in error here. As it happened, however, approximately a half an hour after Peanut left, beverage agents and sheriff's department detectives, as their last stop in their check of several area convenience stores for the stolen cigarettes, came into the store while Respondent was outside talking. The agents came up in a brown car and Respondent thought it was relating to fruit harvesting. Respondent went inside the store to see what the agents wanted and found that several of the officers, including Officer White, had already gone behind the counter to the cigarette rack. At this point Respondent asked what was the problem. White replied that he wanted to check cigarettes and when White asked who Respondent bought the cigarettes from, Respondent who did not know who any of these people were replied, the Eli Witt Company. When one detective asked him if he had any more cigarettes, he said "yes" and attempted to show him where the cigarettes were in the storeroom. Ultimately the detectives advised Respondent of his right to remain silent, but he waived this right and fully explained what had happened. When Investigator White, a new beverage agent with whom respondent was not familiar, found cigarettes that were untaxed in the cigarette retail rack, he advised Respondent of his testimonial rights and Respondent indicated a desire to make a statement. In this statement, respondent reiterated the story outlined above to the effect that Washington had approached him earlier in the day to solicit his help in watching for untaxed cigarettes. He then went on to indicate the story of how Peanut had come and left the cigarettes there. September 15, 1983 was on a Thursday. The following Sunday, Investigators Young's wife called White and indicated that Respondent had called her in an effort to talk to Young. White called Respondent back and was told by Respondent that Peanut had come back that day in another car to threaten him into either returning the cigarettes or paying for them. Respondent advised White that he had a partial tag number and a description of the vehicle. He also advised White that he had reported this to the Sheriff's Department through the 911 number. At this, White advised Respondent to keep an eye out and to call if anything else developed. The cigarettes in the retail rack were in plain view and were not hidden as were the cigarettes in the box behind the counter. Investigator White confirms Respondent's story that the cigarettes in the storeroom were not hidden and were left out in the boxes with the end labels of each carton showing. This was somewhat contradicted by the testimony of Petitioner's rebuttal witness, Detective Williams from the County Sheriff's office, who stated that the cigarettes were somewhat concealed. Nonetheless, it would appear that the cigarettes were not concealed and there is no evidence to show that Respondent attempted to hide the cigarettes or make them unavailable to the investigating officers. In fact, it appears the cigarettes were where Peanut had left them with the exception of those few cartons taken from the storeroom and put into the retail rack behind the counter. In that regard, Respondent denies having moved the cigarettes and contends his five (5) employees denied moving them. It is clear that they were moved, however, more likely by an employee who now denies it.
Findings Of Fact Johnnie L. and Robert J. Mims are licensees of record holding license no. 27-78, Series 2-COP. They operate the premises known as the Libra Lounge located at 2409 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida. The licensees had been disciplined in 1980 by the Division by the imposition of a civil penalty for a drug related offense at the licensed premises. The Division was requested by local law enforcement officials to assist in the investigation of the licensed premises because of suspected drug trafficking activities. The Division thereupon commenced an undercover investigation of the licensed premises, principally assigning Beverage Officer Paul Blackmon to conduct the investigation. On July 9, 1982, Officer Blackmon approached the Libra Lounge from the parking lot when, prior to reaching the door of the licensed premises, two black males, Donald Black and Leo Weatherspoon, approached and offered to sell him drugs. Officer Blackmon purchased a bag of suspected marijuana from each individual for $20 and $10 respectively. The suspected marijuana was properly bagged, sealed, and submitted to the Crime Laboratory for analysis. This analysis indicated the presence of cannabis in the material purchased. Johnnie Mims testified that he was aware that Donald Black was a drug dealer. On July 16, 1982, Officer Blackmon entered the Libra Lounge and took a seat at the bar. He observed Donald Black also at the bar. Officer Blackmon conversed with Black about the availability of drugs, and Black took several clear baggies of marijuana from his pocket in a manner easily observable by other patrons and the bartender. Officer Blackmon purchased a baggie for $10 which, after being properly bagged, sealed, and submitted to the Crime Laboratory, was determined to contain cannabis. On July 23, 1982, Officer Blackmon entered the Libra Lounge and immediately observed Donald Black and an unknown black female smoking marijuana inside the licensed premises. Officer Blackmon and Black engaged in discussions which culminated in Black offering to sell and, in fact, selling in plain view of anybody within the bar, a clear plastic baggie of marijuana. The substance purchased tested positive for the presence of cannabis. While Officer Blackmon was on the licensed premises at this time, he also observed another patron known as Duckworth openly smoke a marijuana cigarette inside the licensed premises which was passed around to several patrons. Duckworth also offered to sell Officer Blackmon marijuana. On August 20, 1982, Officer Blackmon was again inside the Libra Lounge. The on-duty bartender, Johnnie Rome Mims, advised Officer Blackmon that he could obtain narcotics from an individual known as "Tennessee", later identified as Anthony Johnson. Johnnie L. Mims also identified Anthony Johnson as a person he knew to be dealing in drugs. Officer Blackmon conversed with Tennessee, and was successful in purchasing, on the licensed premises a clear plastic baggie of marijuana in an open transaction. The substance purchased tested positive for the presence of cannabis. On September 16, 1982, Officer Blackmon again entered the Libra Lounge. while inside the licensed premises, he was approached by Donald Black who inquired whether Officer Blackmon was interested in purchasing any drugs. After receiving an affirmative response, Black shortly produced a clear plastic baggie of marijuana which he sold to Officer Blackmon in an open transaction witnessed by other patrons and the bartender, Johnnie R. Mims. The substance purchased tested positive for the presence of cannabis. On October 8, 1982, Officer Blackmon again entered the Libra Lounge. He inquired of the on-duty bartender, Johnnie R. Mims, whether Anthony Johnson was around. Johnnie R. Mims responded in the negative, but stated that if Blackmon was looking for some drugs that "Bull", the street name for Johnnie L. Nims had some. Johnnie R. Mims called Johnnie L. Mims over to the bar where they discussed with Officer Blackmon the purchase of "speed", the street term for amphetamines, at $1 per hit. Officer Blackmon purchased five directly from the licensee, Johnnie L. Mims, in a transaction across the bar. The substance was represented to Officer Blackmon to be speed or amphetamines. The laboratory report, however, indicated caffeine and not the presence of any illegal narcotic in the substance purchased. On November 5, 1982, Officer Blackmon approached the Libra Lounge from the parking lot and met Bull or Johnnie L. Mims. Officer Blackmon inquired about purchasing more amphetamines, and the licensee responded that he had none but was shortly expecting a shipment from Miami, and would hold some for him. Thereafter, Officer Blackmon entered the lounge and inquired of the on-duty bartender, David Hudson, whether any drugs could be purchased. Hudson took him to a combination storage room, living quarters, and bar, an area which was the living quarters of the licensee, Johnnie L. Mims. There, sitting in plain view, was a substantial quantity of marijuana in various size bags. Hudson allowed Officer Blackmon to pick out a bag in return for $20. The substance purchased tested positive for the presence of cannabis. On November 12, 1982, Officer Blackmon again entered the Libra Lounge and engaged in conversation with the on-duty bartender, David Hudson. Officer Blackmon again inquired as to the purchase of narcotics, and Hudson produced from a counter under the bar a brown cloth satchel containing a substantial quantity of marijuana in various size clear plastic baggies. Again, Hudson let Officer Blackmon pick out the particular bag which he wanted in a clearly open transaction which anyone in the bar could witness. The quantity purchased by Officer Blackmon on this date tested positive for the presence of cannabis. On November 19, 1982, Officer Blackmon entered the Libra Lounge with two marked $10 bills and a marked $5 bill in his possession. Officer Blackmon again approached the on-duty bartender, David Hudson, and asked about the purchase of narcotics. Again, Hudson produced the brown cloth satchel from under the bar. He also asked Officer Blackmon if he was interested in purchasing a quarter pound of marijuana. Officer Blackmon declined, but instead picked out a "10-cent bag" for which he paid Hudson $10 utilizing a marked bill. Again, this transaction occurred in plain view of anyone at the bar, and the substance purchased tested positive for the presence of cannabis. While on the licensed premises on November 19, 1982, Officer Blackmon observed two white females enter the bar and ask the bartender, Hudson, where Bull (Johnnie L. Mims) was. Officer Blackmon, who was in a position to overhear their conversation, heard Hudson state that he would have to take care of them. Thereupon, they commenced negotiations which resulted in the sale of a quarter pound bag of marijuana that Hudson had previously offered to Officer Blackmon. Also, on November 19, 1982, a beer truck was making a delivery of a quantity of beer to the licensee, Johnnie L. Mims. Mims had counted out $204 which he had left sitting on the cooler behind the main bar of the licensed premises. At this time, local police officers and beverage officers entered the licensed premises to serve an Emergency Order of Suspension on Mims, and to execute a search warrant on the licensed premises. The $204 that Mims was about to pay the beer truck driver contained the marked $10 bill that Officer Blackmon had just utilized to purchase the marijuana. In the search of the licensed premises, the officers found the brown cloth satchel containing numerous bags of marijuana, all of which tested positive for the presence of cannabis. The police also found marijuana on David Hudson and on Anthony Johnson, and a bottle of moonshine whiskey behind the bar.. They also found several items of stolen property, including a white tuxedo stolen from Mitchell Formal Wear and valued in excess of $100, a quantity of jeans reported stolen from the National Shirt Shop and valued at $147, a Bear Cat scanner reported stolen from a residence and valued at $500, a Tappan Microwave Oven reported stolen from Corpus Christi, Texas, and valued in excess of $100, a Honeywell Ultrasonic Burglar Alarm reported stolen and valued in excess of $100, and a dishwasher still in its carton and valued in excess of $100. Johnnie L. Mims testified that he had a no-drug policy, as set forth in a number of signs posted throughout the licensed premises. However, Lt. Baxley, the head of the Pensacola Beverage Office, who has been on the licensed premises, never observed any signs concerning such a policy. Mims further testified that he knew both Donald Black and Anthony Johnson were dealing in drugs. Both Donald Black and Anthony Johnson were repeatedly on the licensed premises. Anthony Johnson was arrested on November 19, 1982, for possession of marijuana at a time when Johnnie L. Mims was on the licensed premises. The remaining testimony of Johnnie L. Mims was clearly self-serving. He asserted he was so involved with his community activities and taking care of his sick mother that he had no opportunity to supervise the licensed premises Such testimony ignores the fact that he sold to Officer Blackmon what was represented to be speed or amphetamines, and discussed a further shipment of drugs that he was to receive. This testimony was not denied or refused by Mims.
Recommendation From the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the license issued to Johnnie L. Mims and Robert J. Mims d/b/a The Libra Lounge, be revoked. THIS RECOMMENDED ORDER entered this 1st day of March, 1983. 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 1st day of March, 1983. COPIES FURNISHED: Harold F.X. Purnell, Esquire Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Johnnie L. Mims 2409 North Palafox Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 Robert J. Mims 2409 North Palafox Street Pensacola, Florida 32501 Charles A. Nuzum, Director Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Gary Rutledge, Secretary Department of Business Regulation 725 South Bronough Street Tallahassee, Florida 32301
