Underage beer sales
Store gets reprimand instead of suspension
By Elizabeth Billips Associate Editor

Waynesboro City Council came close to suspending the beer and wine license of a gas station where a teenager bought beer - but decided, instead, on a reprimand.

Last month, the Waynesboro Police Department launched an undercover operation after an officer spotted a 17-year-old coming out of Stop-N-Shop with a 12-pack under his arm.

While no arrest was made that day, the teen agreed to work with officers and attempt to make purchases at three stores residents had been complaining about: Stop-N-Shop, McTeer Food & Fuel and DJ Petrol.

He was able to make purchases at the latter two.

Since then, the two clerks in question have appeared in court. Rebecca Cox, who works for McTeer, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine. Gitaben DeSai, the wife of the DJ Petrol owner, will return to court Aug. 13 with an attorney.

While city council won't consider suspending or revoking DJ Petrol's license until DeSai's case has been disposed, they were ready on Monday to deal with the other.

"I recommend not revoking (McTeer's) license since it was their first offense and the person who made the sale was not the owner," Police Chief Karl E. Allen said. "I think we've got their attention."

While Mayor Jesse Stone was also opposed to revocation, he appeared to lean toward suspension. "My concern is that to do nothing would be a slap on the wrist," he said.

City attorney Chris Dube agreed and recommended a 60-day suspension for a first offense.

While several councilmen seemed to concur, none was willing to make the motion needed for a vote

Instead, the business owner will receive a written reprimand warning him that a second offense will result in the suspension or revocation of his license.

Chief Allen said his department will continue to test local stores with underage informants.