Minor caught with alcohol

THE CANADIAN PRESS

WINNIPEG -- Manitoba's Liquor Control Commission has sent the Winnipeg Jets to the penalty box for violating the liquor code.

True North, the owners of the Jets, were caught serving beer to a minor during the Jets' home opener at the MTS Centre in October.

The teen was caught during the first intermission of the game with a Bud Light.

True North appeared before the licensing board on Monday to explain their position.

The company says it was guilty but explained the teen did show ID and was with his dad.

Spokesman Kevin Donnelly says it was a wilful attempt to defraud True North, and was hard to catch because the dad was in on it.

But that isn't an excuse in the eyes of the liquor board.

"Anything to do with a minor and alcohol is taken very seriously by the MLCC and the province," says spokeswoman Diana Soroka.

On the night of the opener the Jets say they had 100 serving staff and 85 security guards checking identification and giving out wristbands if they were over 18. Someone still managed to slip through.

This is the first time in the seven-year history of the MTS Centre that the owners have been charged with serving a minor.

"It's a learning experience for us and we'll see what the outcome is," says Donnelly.

A decision is expected by next week.