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Agency
cooperation key to compliance check operation
DATE:
MAY 9, 2005
CONTACT: Ted Penesis (tpenesis@revenue.state.il.us)
Through the coordinated efforts of a variety of state, county,
and local law enforcement officials, the Illinois Liquor Control
Commission (ILCC) found 192 violations during its May 5-7,
2005 sweep of 246 liquor establishments in St. Clair, Clinton,
and Madison Counties.
“The success of this operation was dependent upon the
assistance and cooperation of all participating agencies,”
says Tax Enforcement Administrator August Yount of the Illinois
Department of Revenue (IDOR). “They went above and beyond
what was required. By working together as a unified team,
we achieved a higher level of compliance in a greater number
of establishments.”
A total of 46 personnel from the ILCC, IDOR’s Bureau
of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Illinois State Police, Belleville
Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department,
and East St. Louis Police Department participated in the compliance
checks. This was the second time the ILCC coordinated a sweep
of liquor licensees in the area, with the first conducted
in October 2004.
During this round, violations decreased dramatically, which,
according to ILCC Special Agent Randal Mendenhall may be due,
in part, to the year-round efforts conducted by Liquor Control
agents in the area.
“Since May of 2004, we have made a concerted effort
to increase inspections,” notes Mendenhall, who coordinated
both operations. “We are starting to see this hard work
pay off with increased compliance by our licensees.”
The latest operation featured eight inspection teams consisting
of at least one ILCC agent, one BCI agent, and one state or
local sworn officer. Additionally, two back-up “safe”
teams were available to replace sworn personnel during criminal
arrests.
Each of the teams conducted a detailed inspection of the
premises during their visit. For example, Liquor Control agents
checked to ensure compliance with the state’s Liquor
Control Act, BCI agents inspected video games and cigarette
packages for state seals, and sworn officers enforced criminal
laws such as checking ID’s for underage consumption.
Other
Industry Education Links:
News Releases
ILCC Newsletters
Illinois
Liquor Control Act
Browse and/or download
Illinois Liquor Control Commission
Rules and Regulations
Browse and/or download
Tobacco Program
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