Three Aurora County sites fail alcohol compliance test

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Three Aurora County businesses failed an alcohol compliance check Wednesday, which was conducted by the South Central Alcohol Task Force.

This is Ehler’s General Store’s second violation in a 24-month period. A clerk at Ehler’s in White Lake checked the confidential informant’s ID but sold alcohol to the minor anyway, according to a press release from the task force.

The White Lake Municipal Bar and Roadside 66 in Plankinton each failed the check for the first time in a 24-month period.

A clerk at the White Lake bar checked a confidential informant’s ID, but sold alcohol to the minor anyway. A clerk at Roadside 66 did not ask for ID and sold alcohol to the minor confidential informant.

The consequences can vary for businesses caught selling alcohol to underage buyers, said Jason Evans, deputy director of property and special tax with the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

For example, on a first offense, if a person who sells alcohol to a minor has passed a certified alcohol management class, the state can fine that business $500. On a second offense within 24 months, the business is fined $1,000. Three or more offenses in 24 months will result in suspension or revocation of a liquor license. On a third offense, a business’ license is typically suspended for 14 days.

If a person sells alcohol to a minor and has not passed a certified alcohol management class, the fine doubles per violation.

The criminal ramifications for a person selling alcohol to a minor can include a Class 2 misdemeanor charge, which carries a maximum of 30 days in county jail, a $500 fine or both.

Businesses that passed the check included A Bar Z and Claudia’s Café, both in White Lake; and Roadhouse Bar, Plank Inn and Ponderosa, all in Plankinton.

Tags: white lake, compliance check, aurora county, news, plankinton, alcohol, region