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January 16, 2024 - 6:00 PM
A Kelowna liquor store fired an employee but dodged a fine after selling liquor to a minor.
The province's liquor regulator sent an undercover minor to Berezan Liquor Store in Rutland last summer, where they bought a single can of cider and they weren't asked for identification.
A Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch investigator told him immediately after he sold the cider that the customer was a minor then took a photo of his Serving It Right certificate, according to a decision from the regulator published, Jan. 11.
The cashier planned to leave for the day because he felt sick, but stayed because the business was short-staffed after another employee called in sick.
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None of the store employees nor the investigators are named in the decision, but a store manager told the regulator she was "heartbroken" she had to fire the cashier, who had just recently been promoted.
Liquor branch investigators suggested the store be fined for the sale, which can range from $7,000 to $11,000.
The store, however, gave evidence about its practices and policies in place to ensure IDs are checked, suggesting it shouldn't have to pay the fine.
Berezan has its own secret shopper program. A secret shopper shows up multiple times per month. The Rutland location had 151 visits in 12 years. Employees failed 18 times, getting an 83% pass rate and the employee who was fired faced a secret shopper three times, passing each of them.
The fired cashier did not attend the hearing out of concern he may be fined, the decision said.
Because of the store already had policies in place the liquor branch didn't fine the store nor did it fine the employee.
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