A Campbell River pub has been fined $1,000 after staff began yelling that a liquor inspector had arrived contrary to regulations about drawing attention to inspectors.
In her Oct. 31 decision, B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch delegate Nerys Poole said liquor licences are subject to terms and conditions set out in a handbook for operators.
Poole pointed out that the handbook says drawing attention to inspectors can put them at risk.
“Actions such as announcing the arrival of inspectors, raising or flashing lights, turning down music, playing particular soundtracks (e.g. “Bad Boys” or “Hawaii Five O”), using spotlights, or any other similar actions are not permitted. You may not take, save or distribute photographs or video of inspectors or minor agents contracted to the branch in any manner.”
In the case of J.J.’s Pub, Poole said, two inspectors entered May 25 and identified themselves to an employee.
After an employee tried to charge them the $15 cover charge (which they do not have to pay), they entered the pub.
“The employee started walking beside liquor inspector 1 on her left side and started yelling ‘liquor inspectors’ while pointing at the liquor inspectors,” Poole said. “The employee appeared to be trying to get the attention of another employee standing behind the bar. The employee followed them all the way to the bar, yelling liquor inspectors and pointing down at their heads.”
Poole said when one inspector told staff that inspectors could not be identified, the employee responded: “I can do whatever the f*** I want in this place.”
Poole said the inspectors soon left as they did not feel safe.
The ruling noted the manager testified she did not hear the swearing.
“She has known the employee for a long time and described him as a nice and kind person who would not use swear words like that,” Poole wrote.
Turning to the employee’s notes of the incident, the manager said the employee said, “I told the liquor inspector lady to wait but she blew past me.”
The employee noted he told the manager quietly that the inspectors were present.
Owner Salvatore Guzzo also testified the employee had been at the pub six years.
“Mr. Guzzo feels he has been targeted by the branch for the last three years and that it is appalling that he has to go through this every time,” Poole said.
The employee did not testify and Poole gave no weight to his notes.
“I find these notes were most likely made out of the employee’s self-interest in demonstrating his actions did not support a contravention,” Poole ruled.
The branch found the pub had contravened the rules and put the inspectors at risk. As such, Poole levied the $1,000 fine.
