Four Maple Grove businesses were brought before the Maple Grove City Council recently for liquor license violations.

According July 16 city council meeting memo, the Maple Grove Police Department conducted alcohol compliance checks on May 31, 2012, and “alcohol was served to a minor undercover/decoy” at El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Kyoto Sushi, MGM Wine & Spirits and Rush Creek Golf Club.

Representatives from all of the businesses spoke before the city council July 16, most describing the circumstances surrounding the violation and offering apologies. All four businesses, according to City Administrator Al Madsen, “waived their right to a hearing.”

The city council voted to impose a $2,000 civil penalty and five day liquor license suspension on El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant and Kyoto Sushi, a second violation within a year for both businesses.

“I want to caution you, a third time would be worse,” Acting Mayor LeAnn Sargent said. Mayor Mark Steffenson was absent from the meeting.

It is a first violation, under new ownership, for MGM Wine & Spirits which the council voted to impose a $2,000 fine and one year stay of the two day liquor license suspension due to preexisting work in the community to prevent underage alcohol sales. Rush Creek Golf Club will receive a $2,000 fine and two-day liquor license suspension.  

The actual fines and suspensions are to be put to a final vote by the Maple Grove City Council at a future meeting after the city staff prepares the findings of fact and conclusions.

A full copy of the July 16, 2012 Maple Grove City Council agenda and supporting documents can be found here.