Licensee Rule Book (Dispenser & Retail)

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MZY o� H� C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. �• yin 4�i,i1��,� Mayor William V. Brilhante, Jr. - • Managing Director +r•:; �: ten':•*�` �TE~af: -i+�•� Merrick Nishimoto Deputy Managing Director County of Hawal"i Department of Liquor Control Hilo Lagoon Centre, 101 Aupuni Street, Unit 230, Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4261 (808) 961-8218 • Fax (808) 961-8684 E-Mail: cohdlc(�i}.hawaiicounty.gov DEPARTMENT of LIQUOR CONTROL Stacie T. Waltjen Director Department of Liquor Control: The Department is a regulatory agency of the County of Hawaii consisting of the Liquor Commission, the Liquor Adjudication Board, a Director and necessary staff. Its primary function is to regulate the manufacture, importation, sale and consumption of intoxicating liquors. Liquor license applications and enforcement of the liquor laws are principal activities of the Department. The Director is the Administrative Head of the Department which provides clerical and administrative services to the Commission and the Board, processes license applications, investigates violations of the liquor laws and assists Licensees. Liquor Commission: section 7-3.2 of the County Charter, County of Hawaii, establishes the Liquor Commission consisting of nine members, who shall be appointed by the [Mayor and confirmed by the Council. one member shall be a resident of each council district. The Liquor Commission has the authority to adopt rules and regulations having the effect of law in the County and to carry out the provisions of the liquor control laws of the state; grant, renew or refuse applications for liquor licenses; and has such other powers and duties as may be provided by law, not in conflict with County Charter provisions. Liquor Control Adjudication Board: section 7-3.3 of the County Charter, County of Hawaii, provides that there shall be a Liquor Control Adjudication Board consisting of five members, who shall be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. The Adjudication Board shall hear and determine all complaints regarding violations of the liquor control laws of the state or of the Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission and shall impose fines or punishment as provided by law upon the conviction of a violation. How it Works: A person decides to open a convenience store selling liquor or to open a restaurant serving liquor. This person contacts the Department. The Department, through its staff, will review the licensing procedure with the person and provide the person with the appropriate forms to be completed. After the forms and required documents are submitted, the Department will prepare a report for the Liquor Commission. The Liquor Commission will then hold a preliminary hearing to review the application and the person applying for the liquor license. Later, a public hearing is held to receive public input. The Liquor Commission, within its discretion, will approve or deny the application. After the person has a license (now referred to as a "Licensee") and is in business, staff investigators will make periodic checks on the premises. Perhaps it is uncovered that the Licensee sold liquor to a minor. A report is prepared by the investigator. Charges are brought against the Licensee and a hearing is scheduled before the Liquor Adjudication Board. The Board, acting as judge and jury, will listen to the parties and will determine whether the charges have been substantiated. If yes, the Board will choose either to a reprimand, impose a fine not exceeding $5,000 per violation, suspend the license for a certain period of time or revoke the license. Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer