Alcohol inspection: Helping you safely enjoy your favorite drink

When you’re out with friends at a bar, do you ever think, “I hope that craft IPA I ordered did not get watered down or has a bug floating around in it”?

It probably does not cross your mind much, right? You trust you’re getting what you paid for, and it’s not going to make you sick because it was improperly manufactured, stored or served. The Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement (AGE) division helps make sure of that because they regularly inspect bars, restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol.  

Jay DeLaHunt is an AGE liquor inspector. He says some people might think AGE is the “fun police” — trying to make life difficult for businesses and consumers. DeLaHunt says the work they do is quite the opposite. “We’re here to help Minnesotans have fun without having to think about all the rules and regulations that licensees have to follow.”  

Liquor investigators do pre-licensing background checks, educate applicants, and conduct inspection and compliance visits to licensed liquor establishments. They help owners follow the rules and requirements spelled out in state laws. Special agents help investigate underage consumption and unlicensed alcohol sales.

What do some of their activities look like? DeLaHunt says he does bottle checks, holding up a bottle to the light, swirling it around and checking for contaminants. “You get open doors and people coming in and out of an establishment. There can be outside elements like gnats and flies that may get into the product.”  

DeLaHunt will also check to make sure the product is not watered down. “It doesn’t happen too often, and customers know what they’re being poured, but on occasion, a licensee will attempt to save money by trying to water the product down.”

Investigators take pictures of the tap handles and check that they match the proper kegs. “It’s important that whatever the tap handles indicate is being poured correctly,” he said.

When meeting with liquor licensees, investigators go through laws, rules and regulations, including how anyone under age 18 cannot sell, serve or handle alcohol. They discuss overservice and how an employee cannot sell alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person.

“We’re asking questions and making sure licensees are following the rules and regulations so that when you go out for a night of fun with friends and family, you can truly have fun,” DeLaHunt said. “You don’t have to worry ‘Is the product I’m drinking safe? Did it come through or into Minnesota responsibly? Has it been tampered with?’ Hopefully all these questions have been answered and reinforced by us going out into the field and talking to licensees.”

So, the next time you’re sipping a chardonnay with a delicious restaurant meal or enjoying another favorite drink, remember that AGE is here to make it a safe and satisfying experience.  

If you suspect an establishment might be violating a liquor law or have an alcohol question or complaint, contact our AGE team or submit an online tip.