I’ve taken measures to stop underage beer sales at Smed’s

TO THE EDITOR:

I would like to reply to the story that was printed in the Southern Standard on Friday in regards to Smed’s Place. Since I never received a chance to comment before it when to print, I feel I must defend my company and show what we are doing to improve!

Speaking for myself, now an obvious first offender of selling to a minor, I want to apologize to the community for this mistake. Several people have stated to me that it can easily happen when you are busy. However, attention needs to be made so this does not occur again.

In the article it stated that Judge Ross heard evidence in regard to minors being served beer here at Smed’s Place. If the minor was served beer, why were we not contacted by authorities then? But, that is irrelevant at this point.

We have allowed persons over the age of 18 to enjoy our establishment in a secure setting. We check the IDs at the door and also mark their hands with large black markers and we watch them closely. We have found that very few of the minors will wash the ink off their hands and when we find this, they are asked to leave and not return until they are 21 years of age.

If the minors have been drinking before they arrive, then of course we have no idea because we do not have a breath-alyzer machine at our door. If we feel that anyone is intoxicated upon arrival they are not allowed to come in and are asked to come back on another day. If we have a problem we call upon the McMinnville Police Department and they do an outstanding job.

Since this has occurred we are striving to make sure it does not happen again. We have added a person at the door for extra security and also have made Smed’s Place available only for persons 21 or older on Friday and Saturday nights after 8 p.m.

We are trying to be a good member in the business community and give back to Warren County. We sponsor softball teams and are also working on bringing country music artists back to McMinnville Civic Center.

We hope these changes we are making will better ourselves and those whom we serve. I would personally like to thank everyone who supports our efforts.

Sincerely,

David Smedley
Smithville Highway
McMinnville