What to Do When You Receive A Liquor Violation
If your business has had a liquor violation, it's important to take prompt and appropriate action to address the issue and prevent future violations. Here are the steps you should consider taking:
Don’t Panic: Many businesses will have an isolated violation at one point or another. Barring a significant pattern of violations, this is likely something you and your business can move forward from.
Seek Legal Advice: A lawyer with experience in liquor law can help you understand your rights and obligations and guide you through the process of addressing the violation. In Maine, if your license is held by an entity, you will require a lawyer to appear in court to resolve the violation for you. In New Hampshire, a lawyer can help negotiate your settlement agreement to help your business avoid future civil liability.
Review the Violation: Carefully review the details of the violation to understand what occurred and why it happened. This can help you identify any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Correct the Violation: Take immediate steps to correct the violation. This may involve removing any offending products, updating your policies and procedures, training employees, or making changes to your operations to ensure compliance.
Communicate with Authorities: If required, communicate with the relevant authorities regarding the violation. While you should discuss any communications regarding what occurred with your lawyer, you may wish to discuss the steps you are taking to address any deficiencies and move your business forward.
Implement Corrective Measures: Put in place measures to prevent future violations. This may include improving staff training, implementing stricter inventory controls, disciplining employees, or reviewing your policies and procedures.
Monitor Compliance: Regularly monitor your operations to ensure ongoing compliance with liquor laws and regulations. This can help you identify and address any potential issues before they lead to further violations.
Learn from the Experience: Use the violation as an opportunity to learn and improve. Review your operations, policies, and procedures to identify any areas where you can strengthen compliance and prevent future violations.
By taking these steps, you can address a liquor violation effectively and demonstrate your commitment to compliance with liquor laws and regulations. An experienced compliance professional can help consult with you regarding effective mitigation strategies and ensure your business if built to control regulatory risk.
