DeKALB | Four liquor establishments were fined Thursday during a hearing overseen by Mayor and Liquor Commissioner Frank Van Buer.

While there were six establishments charged for allowing a minor to purchase liquor, only four were present for the hearing. Starbusters, 930 Pappas Drive, and Thirsty Liquors, 1039 W. Hillcrest Drive, were allowed to extend their hearing date until May 10 at 2 p.m. because their attorney is out of town.

The four establishments in present were fined $810. The fine consisted of the original $750 fine plus the assessments of costs for one-sixth of the court reporter’s fee and attorney Brad Waller’s fees.

During the hearing, representatives from the four establishments were given a chance to explain what plans they have for the future and why the minor was allowed to enter and purchase liquor.

“We will retrain all our associates within the department,” said Connie Zaio, assistant secretary compliance manager for Jewel-Osco. “Our associate took it upon himself to override the system. We have retrained him, he was suspended for three days without pay and he re-signed our liquor policy.”

Retraining is also taking place at Fatty’s Pub & Grille, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway.

“The individual [who let the minor enter] has been retrained,” said Jeff Dobie, owner of Fatty’s. “We have a board that says ‘this is the birthday you’re looking for.’ Bouncers need to know the date. There should be no gray area.”

Rosa Balli, the representative for Eduardo’s Mexican Restaurant, 214 E. Lincoln Highway, expressed regret during her portion of the hearing.

“No one is more sad than me,” said Balli. “That is not how we conduct our business. Hopefully our record shows that we take our job seriously.”

Mark Thompson, owner of Lord Stanley’s, 142 E. Lincoln Highway, was present and agreed that a minor was allowed to enter and purchase liquor on March 10.

“It’s very important we keep diligent on checking IDs,” Van Buer said. “A good part of all this is to understand where we’re coming from. It would be nice if I didn’t have to see any of you people again.”

Next month will host another series of hearings with other establishments being charged.

“The stings seem to have been effective,” said Norma Guess, DeKalb City Attorney. “The second string [of violations] has five violations and a couple of other issues.”