O’Meara’s racked up thousands in ABC fines

By Abe Nelson

Published: May 12, 2008

O’Meara’s restaurant racked up $26,000 in Virginia Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control fines and administrative costs between August 2006 and April 2007, according to ABC documents.

The ABC charged the restaurant at 8971 Center St. with a total of 26 violations.

The restaurant appealed the Virginia ABC hearing officers ‘ decision to impose the fines, but withdrew the appeal, surrendered its license and closed in April 2008.

Surrendering the license rendered the fines moot, said Virginia ABC spokeswoman Becky Gettings.

“The fines are to keep their license in good standing,” Gettings said.

Seven of the violations were for allowing the consumption of alcoholic beverages by a person the licensee knew or had reason to believe was intoxicated

One violation held that the licensee enticed, urged or entreated patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages in violation of state law.

The restaurant was charged with seven counts of making gifts of alcoholic beverages in violation of Virginia law and eight counts of holding happy hour between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m.

There were also two charges of allowing loitering on the premises by people who the licensee knew or had reason to believe were intoxicated .

One charge of making gifts of alcoholic beverages in violation of Virginia law was dismissed.

Gettings said there is no specific number of charges that would cause an establishment to be automatically shut down.

“Any hearing can result in fines, suspensions, dismissals or revocation,” Gettings said.

Mike O’Meara, the owner of the restaurant, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Keith Walker can be reached at 703-369-6751.