A state agency has filed administrative charges of tax law violations against Hero's 19th Hole, which could jeopardize the concessionaire's license to operate at the Jacksonville Beach Golf Course.
The Jacksonville Beach City Council agreed Monday that Hero's 19th Hole would pay the $3,000 fine and serve a 20-day suspension for the violations. City Manager George Forbes will also write Hero's a letter warning the concessionaire that it will terminate its contract if there are any further violations.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco inspected Hero's 19th Hole on June 24. The agency determined that Hero's had bought 21 bottles of liquor from an unlicensed distributor, refilled an empty vodka bottle with another brand of vodka and bought cigarettes for resale from someone without a wholesale dealer permit.
The agency notified the Jacksonville Beach business of the administrative action on Aug. 3. Hero's was offered two choices: It could request a hearing to contest the action or it could enter a settlement agreement with the state agency requiring the fine and suspension, which would force the business to temporarily close.
Hero's 19th Hole, owned by Melinda Cook, is operating under Jacksonville Beach's license. The business first contracted with the city about five years ago to provide concessions at the golf course. Cook renewed the five-year contract in March.
"It doesn't make us look very good," said Assistant City Manager Roy Paxson, noting the suspension could cause a problem for the golf course.
The city could cancel Hero's 19th Hole's contract if the state finds that it's not complying with the law, Paxson said.
Source: Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)