KULPMONT - The Jan Sobieski Club was cited for 12 violations of state liquor laws by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (LCE) following an administrative investigation of the operations between Jan. 1, 2013, and Sept. 4.
The investigation was conducted in response to the case of Bruno Varano, manager of the club, who was charged Oct. 2 with disorderly conduct and "unlawful acts relative to liquor, malt and brewed beverages" by a state police liquor control enforcement officer in response to an early morning incident Aug. 3
The charges against the establishment will be brought before an administrative law judge, who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.
According to an LCE report issued Feb. 6, the club, 10th and Scott streets, failed to adhere to bylaws; failed to fulfill charter purposes; failed to maintain a photostatic or certified copy of the charter on the licensed premises; failed to maintain complete and truthful records covering the operation of the licensed business for a period of two years immediately preceding Sept. 4; failed to maintain records in conformity with the provisions of the liquor code and title 40 of the state code; failed to post signs as required by the Clean Indoor Air Act; offered or gave liquor, malt or brewed beverages as a prize; possessed or operated gambling devises of paraphernalia or permitted gambling or lotteries, pool-selling and/or bookmaking on licensed premises; sales to non-members; sold, furnished and/or gave or permitted such sale, furnishing or giving of liquor, malt or brewed beverages to a minor; used a loudspeaker or similar device whereby the sound of music or other entertainment or advertisement could be heard beyond the licensee's property line, and agents or employees engaged in disorderly conduct on Aug. 3.
LCE district office commander Sgt. Jeff McGinness said the club has 30 days from the date of the Feb. 6 report to respond to the citations by either pleading guilty or seeking a hearing.
The administrative law judge can impose a license suspension or revocation based on the severity of the charges brought; that judge can also mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.
Kelly McElwee is currently listed as the club's manager/steward on the liquor license.
Other hearings set
Varano, 60, of 34 S. 10th St., Kulpmont, is president of Kulpmont Borough Council. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing, which has been delayed previously, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in front of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin.
Bartender, Cody Shustack, 20, of Kulpmont, was charged with underage drinking, drinking while tending bar and escape. He'll also go before Gembic Feb. 25.