BC pub fined $1,000 after staff shouted over liquor inspectors’ arrival

A Campbell River pub has been fined $1,000 after a staff member shouted that a liquor inspector had arrived, in breach of regulations banning drawing attention to inspectors.

In her October 31 decisionNerys Poole, representative of the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, said liquor licenses are subject to conditions – set out in a handbook for operators – including the fact that drawing attention to inspectors could put them at risk.

“Acts such as announcing the arrival of inspectors, turning on or flashing lights, turning down music, playing certain soundtracks (e.g. Bad Boys or Hawaii Five-O), using spotlights or other similar acts are not allowed. You may not take, store or distribute in any way any photographs or videos of inspectors or minor agents contracted to the branch.”

In the case of JJ’s Pub, Poole said, two inspectors came in on May 25 and identified themselves to an employee.

After an employee charged them the $15 cover charge, which they did not have to pay, they entered the pub.

“The employee began walking to her left side next to Liquor Inspector 1 and began yelling ‘beverage inspectors’ while pointing at the liquor inspectors,” Poole said. “The employee appeared to attract the attention of another employee standing behind the bar. The employee followed them all the way to the bar, yelling at liquor inspectors and pointing at their heads.”

Poole said when an inspector told staff that inspectors could not be identified, the employee responded, “I can do whatever I want in this place.” Poole said the inspectors quickly left because they did not feel safe. The ruling noted that the manager testified that she did not hear the curse.