The McHenry County Liquor Commission is considering using fines for liquor code violations to possibly fund regular undercover “sting” operations.
Lt. Eugene Lowery of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department told the commission Wednesday that the department has been doing one or two liquor stings annually. Last month a sting resulted in charges of serving liquor to underage drinkers against bartenders at five establishments in the McHenry and Wonder Lake areas.
Commission member Ann Gilman suggested that funds for such operations be made a part of the county budget.
“If (undercover operations) are ongoing, we’re going to get the compliance we want to get,” Gilman said.
Lowery said he would work up estimates of the costs involved with such operations. Because of overtime costs, money needed to buy liquor and other factors, “I think you’ll be shocked at what it costs,” he said.