A Campbell River pub has been fined $1,000 after a staff member yelled that a liquor inspector had arrived, contrary to regulations prohibiting drawing attention to inspectors.
In her Oct. 31 decision, B.C. Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch delegate Nerys Poole said liquor licences are subject to terms and conditions — set out in a handbook for operators — including the fact that drawing attention to inspectors can put them at risk.
“Actions such as announcing the arrival of inspectors, raising or flashing lights, turning down music, playing particular soundtracks (e.g. Bad Boys or Hawaii Five-O), using spotlights, or any other similar actions are not permitted. You may not take, save or distribute photographs or video of inspectors or minor agents contracted to the branch in any manner.”
In the case of J.J.’s Pub, Poole said, two inspectors entered on May 25 and identified themselves to an employee.
After an employee tried to charge them the $15 cover charge, which they do not have to pay, they entered the pub.
“The employee started walking beside liquor inspector 1 on her left side and started yelling ‘liquor inspectors’ while pointing at the liquor inspectors,” Poole said. “The employee appeared to be trying to get the attention of another employee standing behind the bar. The employee followed them all the way to the bar, yelling liquor inspectors and pointing down at their heads.”
Poole said when one inspector told staff that inspectors could not be identified, the employee responded: “I can do whatever the [expletive] I want in this place.” Poole said the inspectors soon left as they did not feel safe. The ruling noted the manager testified she did not hear the swearing.
