A routine liquor compliance check in Pana on Wednesday night resulted in violations for seven out of 14 establishments inspected, according to local authorities.
The compliance operation, conducted by Special Agents with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) and assisted by Pana Police, Code Enforcement Officers, and Christian County Sheriff’s Deputies, aimed to ensure businesses adhered to laws prohibiting alcohol sales to minors. However, officials found nearly half of the businesses checked had sold alcohol to individuals under the age of 21.
Violating establishments within Pana city limits received a $500 fine for Prohibited Sales of Alcohol under a city ordinance. Those outside the city limits were cited for Illegal Gift/Sale of Alcohol to Minors. In addition to these penalties, the ILCC has notified the businesses, which will face further fines.
The businesses found in violation include:
- Lucky Jackpot (1020 East Jackson St.)
- Pana Bowl (1306 East Jackson St.)
- Spring Garden (708 East Jackson St.)
- Pana Shell (215 East 1st St.)
- Station 502 (123 East 3rd St.)
- Pana Gaming Parlor (312 South Poplar St.)
- Blue Bell Tavern (2657 East 250 North Road)
Pana police expressed concern over the high number of violations and warned that future offenses could lead to harsher penalties. The ILCC announced plans to conduct compliance checks more frequently, with potential liquor license suspensions and increased fines for repeat offenders.
