An Okanagan Wings restaurant began serving its seven week liquor license suspension this week after being caught serving liquor to a minor.
Liquor inspectors visited Wings in Penticton on Mar. 12, 2025 and employed a minor agent to ensure the establishment was following the rules of its licence.
When the minor agent entered the restaurant, they ordered a bottle of beer.
According to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, the waitress served the minor the drink without asking for ID.
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One of the two liquor inspectors then notified the server of the contravention and asked to speak to the manager on duty. The manager was also notified of the violation.
Five days later, on Mar. 17, the two liceneses were sent an email advising them of the matter.
On April 9, a notice of enforcement action was sent to the licensee, which detailed why enforcement was being taken and the options they had to argue against the issue.
It is typical for a licensee to argue due diligence and provide evidence that they have training, procedures and policies in place to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.
However, the LCRB said the licensee did not provide any evidence or submissions to defend themselves.
They had until July 4, 2025 to do so.
“Based on the unchallenged evidence submitted to me, which is set out above, I find the contravention of selling liquor to a minor as alleged has been proven,” said the LCRB delegate in their written statement.
Penalties for a first contravention of this type to be a seven to 11-day licence suspension and/or a $7,000-$11,000 monetary penalty.
The LCRB settled on a seven-day suspension, which started on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
Wings’ liquor license will be held by the LCRB or the Penticton RCMP until the suspension is over.
