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 the Thomasville Police Department. The operation involves sending in underage shoppers, who are looking to purchase alcohol. During the mystery shopper operation, four locations were caught in violation, but were all first time offenders.

The establishments included Quick Lotto Corner, Susie Q’s #20, Bird Dog Bottling Company, and Mom and Dad’s Italian Restaurant.

All of the violations have already been handled in Municipal Court, where the employees in question pled guilty to sale of alcoholic beverages to minors.

“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 the 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 spoke to each representative, who all accepted the $500 penalty charge.

All liquor license holders were reminded that a second violation within a 12-month period would impose much heftier fines, including up to $2,000 and 60-day license suspension.