Somerby Golf Club gets 1 day liquor suspension following failed compliance check

Somerby Golf Club in Byron will be facing a one day suspension of its liquor license, after being caught selling to a minor.
The City Council on June 11, voted unanimously in support of the punishment, which could’ve ranged between at least one-day suspension, and up to 60 days, per the ordinance.
“Alcohol compliance checks were completed by the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Department on May 30th, 2024,” a memo from the city’s administration stated. “Somerby failed the compliance check by selling alcohol to an under-aged buyer.”
In addition, per the ordinance, since it was Somerby’s first offense in a three-year period, the business was also issued a $500 fine, according to the memo.
The suspension needs to be completed within a 30-day period, according to the ordinance. In an email last Thursday, City Administrator Al Roder, said the date decided on was Monday, June 24.
In a phone call last week, Roder said this is the first time there has been a violation since he took over as the city hall chief, almost two years ago.
Meanwhile, some neighboring communities have taken different approaches.
Kasson compliance checks
Kasson Police Chief Josh Hanson said liquor or tobacco law violations “by a salesperson is a citable offense for the violator and the courts would determine the penalty.”
“The city council approves the tobacco and liquor licenses for businesses and they could vote to revoke or suspend a license,” Hanson wrote.
According to the liquor license ordinance: “The Council in its sound discretion may either grant or deny the application for any license or for the transfer or renewal of any license. No applicant has a right to a license under this chapter.”
Asked about recent checks, Hanson said in the past year two businesses were caught selling to someone 21 or younger.
“Hy-Vee sold tobacco and the Kasson [Liquor] Store sold alcohol to a person under 21,” Hanson wrote. “ We did not issue citations for the violations but did inform the city council of the compliance check failures.”
West Concord City Administrator Paula Even Trenda said she spoke with various city officials including the mayor, police chief, and municipal liquor store manager, all who said they have “never had a liquor or tobacco violation.”
“ In the event there would be a violation, City Hall, along with the personnel committee, would meet to discuss punishment and suspension. However, the employee would be responsible for the fine,” Trenda wrote.