THOMASVILLE- The Thomasville City Council met on Monday night where they heard from City Attorney Tim Sanders in regard to several alcohol mystery shopper violations.

Sanders explained the operation is conducted by Thomasville Police Department. The operation involves sending in underage shoppers, who are looking to purchase alcohol. Due to COVID-19, this is the first operation in quite some time. During the mystery shopper operation, nine locations were caught in violation, but were all first time offenders.

The establishments included King Claw, T-Velo Brewing Company, The Farmers Daughter, Rose City Liquors, Circle K, Quick Buys, 319 Express, Carroll Hill Food Mart and Bob & Jeff’s IGA.

“With respect to a first offense, the operator has the right to contest the charge and have legal representation,” Sanders said. “They are allowed to record witness testimonies at their own expense, or they can admit to violation of the code and show that they did receive proper training.”

Those who choose to admit they violated the code may receive a $500 penalty fee or have their license suspended for 30 days at the discretion of the City Council.

Sanders read out each violation individually, inviting representatives from the locations to admit to the violation or contest the charge.

King Claw admitted to their violation, explaining a new employee was behind the bar.

“He did have full training a month prior to that, but he just made a mistake,” the regional manager told the Council. “We haven’t had an issue since.”

Councilwoman Wanda Warren made a motion to impose the $500 fine on King Claw, with all council members in agreement.

T-Velo Brewing Company, The Farmers Daughter, Rose City Liquors, Circle K, Quick Buys, 319 Express and Bob and Jeffs IGA also admitted to their violation, accepting a $500 fine.

Sanders shared that the license holder for Carroll Hill Food Mart just had a baby and could not be in attendance, however she had been in communication with the city clerk and understood her options.

Sanders recommended imposing a $500 fine, which the Council agreed with.

Upon the conclusion of the violation hearings, all liquor license holders were reminded that a second violation within a 12-month period can impose much heftier fines, including up to $2,000 and a 60-day license suspension.