Moose Lodge warned for selling without license

A local organization was recently issued a notice of noncompliance from the state division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco for selling alcoholic beverages without a license.

The Loyal Order of the Moose Chapter 1286 Lodge,  located on U.S. 90 between Marianna and Cottondale, was issued the notice on June 20 after ABT agents confirmed that alcoholic beverages were being sold from the location without proper licensure, according to Sam Farkas, ABT spokesperson.
“It’s basically an official warning,” explained Farkas.

He said the ABT initially met with Moose officer James Hurley in October 2007 and informed him that the club could not sell alcoholic beverages without a state license.

Then, on May 18 this year, ABT agents attempted to purchase alcohol at the lodge, said Farkas.

At the lodge, the agents were advised that, prior to the purchase of alcohol, they would have to be referred by a Moose member and pay $100 each for a membership.

“We went and said, ‘You can’t sell without a license, here’s how you can get a license,’ gave them several months to do it and they still didn’t comply,” said Farkas.

He clarified that, while Jackson County is a dry county relating to liquor, beer and wine may still be sold.
“But there’s a license required for that, too,” said Farkas.

Farkas said the notice of noncompliance did not include any type of fine and that the lodge was not forced to shut down.

“They can stay open, they just can’t sell alcohol until they get a license,” said Farkas.

Farkas said licenses range from $28 to $1,820; and that the Moose club would be able to choose the type of license that best suits its need.