Businesses Fined for Serving Alcohol to Teenage Patrons

Four businesses were fined night during Wednesday's city council meeting after owners were of serving teenagers alcohol during a sting operation conducted by the East Providence Police.

, the and  were fined the minimum penalty of $250. 

East Buffet was handed the harshest punishment. Charged with serving underage patrons twice within a three-month time period and to a previous hearing, Sgt. John Andrews recommended the strictest penalty: a $1,500 fine for two counts of serving a minor and a three-day closure.

"It seems like the management doesn't care," he said.

Jennifer Wall, executive director of the East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC), said servers failed multiple beverage compliance checks. Additionally, none of the servers are TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certified, a state requirement of every restaurant employee who serves alcohol.

Owner Wendy Lin said she's received letters from the city praising staff for complying with liquor laws during the past 10 years of her ownership. When asked by Mayor Bruce Rogers if she knew what TIPS training was, Lin said no. But she told council members a sign written in Chinese was placed on a refrigerator to remind staff to check IDs.

"This year, we know we made a mistake," said a tearful Lin, asking council members not to shut down the restaurant.

Wall said training could be conducted in other languages, if necessary - though it may require additional fees.

"We are sensitive to the nature of language barriers," she said.

Council member William Conley Jr. said serving underage patrons was unacceptable. Residents took the podium to express their outrage at East Providence restaurants that allow underage drinking.

Council member unanimously voted to fine Lin a total of $1,500 and suspend the restaurant's liquor license until Dec. 1. All servers are required to undergo TIPS certification training.