Germantown Beer Board fines Poplar Food Mart $2500 for selling beer to minors

The Germantown Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened on April 28, 2025, to address a significant issue regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. The primary focus of the meeting was a hearing concerning Poplar Food Mart No. 1, located at 7616 Poplar Avenue, which faced potential suspension or revocation of its beer license due to a violation of local alcohol regulations.

City Prosecutor Chris Nurn presented the case, revealing that an undercover operation conducted by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department led to the discovery of a sale of beer to a minor on February 26, 2025. The store admitted to the violation, which involved a clerk who failed to properly verify the age of the purchaser. As a result, the clerk received a misdemeanor citation, and the case will be handled in General Sessions Court.

Following the admission of guilt, the board unanimously found Poplar Food Mart No. 1 guilty of violating the Germantown beer ordinance. Prosecutor Nurn recommended a civil fine of $2,500, the maximum allowable penalty, citing the store's previous violation over six years ago related to gambling. The board agreed that repeated offenses would warrant stricter consequences, including potential suspension of the license for future infractions.

Alderman Sanders emphasized the importance of diligent training for employees to prevent such violations, while Alderman Hicks echoed the sentiment, stating that any future offenses would likely lead to more severe penalties. The motion to impose the fine passed unanimously.

In addition to the main agenda item, the meeting concluded with a community announcement about Lemonade Stand Day, scheduled for the upcoming Saturday, where proceeds will support the Germantown Education Foundation.

The board's actions reflect a commitment to enforcing local alcohol regulations and ensuring the responsible sale of alcohol within the community.