Area retailers are praised for efforts

SIKESTON -- Scott County retail locations named in a news article as possibly facing fines or liquor license suspensions are actually the ones who were found to be in compliance.

In an article which appeared on the front page of Thursday's Standard Democrat, Rhodes 101 Stops in Chaffee and Scott City, the Oran Kwik Stop and Tanks One Stop were all erroneously listed as having been cited and facing possible fines and/or suspension of liquor licenses following recent alcohol compliance check investigations by the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. We regret the error.

These retail locations were actually among the seven locations identified in the press release by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control that did not sell to the undercover minor.

Only three of the 10 checks resulted in arrests. These three offenders were Jennifer Allen, 18, at the Millersville Gas & Grocery in Millersville; Wilma Sanders, 56, at the Corner Store Cafe´ & Grocery in Burfordville; and Ronald Ressel, 25, at the Chaffee One Stop in Chaffee. It is these three locations that were cited for sale of liquor to a minor and will face possible fines and/or suspension of their liquor licenses from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

Rhodes 101 Stops in Chaffee and Scott City; Oran Kwik Stop in Oran; Tanks One Stop in Scott City; Oak Ridge Market in Oak Ridge; Smith Stop in Dutchtown; and Delta Quick Mart in Delta were all commended for not selling to the undercover minor.

Peter Lobdell, state supervisor for the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, praised these establishments for "their continued efforts in making Missouri a safer and healthier environment for our youth," noting these stores and their employees "are the first line of defense in the battle against underage drinking."

"That's one of the things we feel strongly about," said Keith Boeller, president of Rhodes 101. "We pride ourselves in making sure we meet all the ID requirements to make sure we do not sell to minors."

"As far as business owners, we knew we had done nothing wrong," said Judy Henson, owner of the Oran Kwik Stop. "We do not sell alcohol to minors -- we take this issue very seriously."

Those with any questions about the compliance check program or retailers in need of server training are asked to contact Special Agent Nancy McGee in the St. Louis District Office at 314-340-6835.

The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control's press release also noted that charges for which Allen, Sanders and Ressel were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.