Four Geneva businesses could face a $1,000 fine and a one day suspension of their liquor licenses after police caught bartenders selling alcoholic drinks to undercover minors during Swedish Days.

The sting, part of Geneva Police Department’s annual compliance checks during the festival, netted charges against Sanfratello’s Pizza, The Little Owl, Old Towne Pub and River Lane Pub.

During a July 31 hearing, the business owners appeared in front of Geneva Mayor

Kevin Burns, who also serves as the city’s liquor commissioner. All admitted they violated liquor laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under age 21 and expressed regret.

Michelle Adams, attorney for Geneva Police Chief Bill Kidwell and speaking on his behalf, recommended the fine and a one day suspension since all were first-time offenders.

Many of the business owners said “mitigating factors” played a part in their errors.

James Gibbons of Sanfratello’s said his bartender made a mistake when checking the driver’s license.

“It was a stupid math moment,” he said. “I’m sorry for the incident.”

Robert Arbizzani, of The Little Owl, said his bartender read the driver’s license wrong, mistaking the license’s issue date for the birth date.

“I’ve owned a liquor license in this town since 1972 and this is the first time I’ve been here,” he said. “We tried to do our best and sometimes it doesn’t happen.”

Adams reminded the business owners that driver’s licenses for those under 21 have a different layout on the card front. Text which reads “Under 21 until MO/DAY/YR” appears in colored bars next to the photo to make the licenses more easily readable.
Geneva employees who work in establishments that serve liquor are required to complete Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training, or BASSET.

BASSET is licensed and administered by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

Many of the business owners who attended the hearing said the possible punishment was harsh.

“It seems a little severe for our first time,” said James Gibbons of Sanfratello’s.

But Adams reminded the owners that they were all told beforehand the sting was going to be conducted.

Burns has five business days from the time of the hearing to make his decision.