Mayor Al Larson said he expects to fine 31 Schaumburg businesses a total of about $10,000 for selling liquor to underage patrons, concluding a three-month police sting that targeted underage drinking in the village.
On Monday, Larson, the village’s liquor commissioner, held the last of four hearings on the matter. During the hearing, four establishments admitted to selling liquor to teenagers.
The establishments now face fines of between $500 and $750 each.
“If it’s a second offense then there should be some kind of a wake-up call,” Larson said. Four of the establishments admitted to committing a second offense of selling liquor to individuals under the age of 21.
The establishments included the Radisson Hotel’s Penne Grill, 1725 E. Algonquin Rd., the Rainforest Cafe and Vinny’s Family Style Italian, both in the Woodfield Mall, and, Walgreens, 38 E. Golf Rd.
During a hearing last week, Larson fined four other restaurants as second-time offenders. The California Pizza Kitchen, Chandler’s Chophouse & Banquets Inc. and the Summerfield Suite’s Hotel were each fined $750. Houlihan’s Restaurant was fined $500.
Monday’s hearing concluded a police department sting operation that targeted 101 stores and restaurants. Police said they hired underage college students to go into the establishments to buy alcohol.
In total, 34 establishments were cited for selling alcohol to someone under 21. In a few cases, the citations were just one of many the establishments received in recent years.
The Black Pearl Restaurant, 28 W. Golf Rd., has racked up six alcohol-related offenses in five years. As recently as last June, the Black Pearl received a two-day suspension for selling alcohol after hours.
Last week, owners of the Chinese restaurant pleaded guilty to selling alcohol to a minor during the police sting. Larson suspended the establishment’s liquor license for two days and fined its owners $1,000.
Larson also ordered the Black Pearl to enroll its employees in a police department training program on the lawful sale of alcohol.
“This is crazy,” said Glenn Alabastro, manager of Black Pearl, who described the fines as a “fundraiser” for the village.
