The state has suspended Moe’s Starlight Lounge’s liquor license after employees were caught serving alcohol to a minor on three separate occasions, according to the Department of Revenue.
A state order shows the suspension will occur in two separate eight- and 10-day periods. Another 15-day period will be enforced if the bar violates the terms of its license.
The first suspension period, according to the order, is from 12:01 a.m. Dec. 23 until 11:59 p.m. Dec. 30.
On Monday, it appeared the bar was closed because of the suspended liquor license. Attempts to reach owners Rick and Renee Carney were unsuccessful Monday.
The second suspension period will be from Jan. 2 to Jan. 11. According to the state order, however, this suspension period will be lifted if Moe’s pays a $2,600 fine. It was unclear Monday if this fine has been paid.
Meghan Tanis, spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Revenue, said the violations came after state investigators conducted an underage compliance check, in which a minor younger than 21 attempts to purchase alcohol from an establishment with a liquor license.
According to state documents, on Dec. 7, 2017, a bartender at Moe’s served a Coors Light beer to a 19-year-old, in an investigation led by the state.
Durango Police caught Moe’s serving alcohol to a minor on Jan. 17, when a 20-year-old ordered and was served a vodka drink.
And again, on July 14, a Moe’s bartender served a Bud Light beer to a 20-year-old, in another investigation headed by Durango Police.
Durango Police did not respond to calls for comment Monday.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
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