Four Geneva businesses are out $1,000 and proceeds from an entire day of alcohol sales after police caught bartenders selling alcoholic drinks to undercover minors during Swedish Days.

Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, who also serves as the city’s liquor commissioner, made the decision after hearing testimony from business owners of Sanfratello’s Pizza, The Little Owl, Old Towne Pub and River Lane Pub during a July 31 hearing.

All admitted they violated liquor laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under age 21 and expressed regret.

“Without exception, each and every business owner also apologized for their lapse in security and the embarrassment they’ve caused to themselves, their business and our community,” Burns said. “I echoed their sentiments, appreciated their candor and accepted their apology.”

All were first-time offenders.

The Geneva Police Department does compliance checks during the festival and Geneva business owners are told beforehand the sting is going to be conducted.
River Lane Pub, The Little Owl/Flagstone and Old Towne Pub will have their liquor license revoked from 2 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, through 1:59 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24. Sanfratello’s will have its liquor license revoked from 2 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, through 1:59 a.m. Friday, Aug. 31.

The fines and suspensions were a recommendation of Geneva Police Chief Bill Kidwell.

“We don’t take this lightly,” said Chris Cellini, who owns Old Towne Pub with his brother, Jason. “We feel terrible about it.”