The Liquor Control Division is charged with enforcing the Liquor Control Act and its corresponding regulations. We do so by following up on complaints from the public, investigating police referrals, and conducting our own operation and inspections.
Most enforcement cases begin with a Liquor Control Agent finding or observing a suspected violation at your permit premises. Depending on the type of investigation being conducted, the agent may identify himself or herself and may provide you with documentation of the suspected violations.
After the Agent has completed his or her investigation or inspection, the Agent will draft a written report summarizing what occurred and explaining the suspected violations. The written report will be reviewed by a Supervising Agent and the Liquor Control Director.
The Director will send approved reports to the Department of Consumer Protection Legal Division. The Legal Division will review the charges and then schedule a compliance meeting if they agree that there is enough evidence to support those charges. A compliance meeting is an informal meeting between you and a DCP attorney to discuss the suspected violations, give you a chance to explain what happened and show any compliance, and see if settlement is possible. Sometimes the Legal Division may contact you to discuss a possible settlement before the compliance meeting, depending on the case. Settlements often include fines and/or suspensions of your permit. If you settle, the Legal Division will send you the appropriate paperwork to sign and end the case.
In the event you or the Legal Division choose not to settle, the case will proceed to a formal administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission. They have the power to impose fines, suspensions, and revocations after a full hearing.
Please note this is a general and high-level summary of a standard enforcement case. Each case is unique and may have other considerations or procedural steps.