Three Village businesses -- a cigar shop and two bars -- have been fined for state alcohol and tobacco law violations committed late last year, Indiana State Excise Police said.
During Winter Break, Excise police found about 20 minors on the premises of Wayne's Cigar Boxx, 1609 W. University Ave., during a routine investigation.
The cigar shop, which Ball State graduate Wayne H. Washington Jr. opened last year, was charged with a $1,000 fine for each violation, bringing the total fine to $20,000.
The shop officially closed after six months of operation, said property manager Julie Freeman.
Freeman said there are currently no plans to fill the 12,000-square-foot property.
Washington Jr. still has a lease on the property for a "considerable amount of time," she said.
Washington Jr. could not be reached for comment.
During the routine investigation, Excise police also brought charges against The Chug, 409 N. Martin Ave., for allowing a minor in the bar on Dec. 18.
At 11:40 p.m., police arrested a minor at The Chug after she tested .06 on a breathalyzer test.
"Witnesses told us she was drinking from a pitcher of beer served by a waitress," said Lt. Tom Neugent of the Excise police. "The breathalyzer test proved that she had been drinking."
Neugent said the woman was issued a summons to appear in court and then released.
Phillip Wills, owner of The Chug, said he didn't know how much the bar was fined for the violation.
Co-manager Aaron Stewart said he wouldn't discuss the fine or the incident.
Since the investigation, however, the bar has continued to emphasize state laws regarding alcohol, Stewart said.
"We have our bouncers frequently check people," he said. "We try to keep an eye on them and make sure they aren't being overserved."
Wills said bar employees also undergo Excise police training twice a year.
The Chug and the Excise police will be meeting next week to discuss all state alcohol laws and issues such as fake IDs, Stewart said.
"We're constantly having staff meetings too," he said. "We discuss what's going on and make sure everyone's up to code."
During the investigation, Excise police also brought alcohol-related charges against The Giant Locker Room, 1625 W. University Ave., Neugent said.
On Dec. 19 at 1:40 a.m., Ball State and Indiana State Excise police were called to the sports bar in reference to a fight witnesses told them had occurred.
"That morning, we received an anonymous complaint that there were intoxicated patrons and that people were holding chugging contests," Neugent said.
He said officer Craig Hodson of the University Police Department found a group of people standing in front of the steps at the west entrance of The Giant Locker Room.
Witnesses then told police that a minor had gotten into an altercation with the bar's bouncer. Police arrested the 20-year-old, who had a blood alcohol content of .17, for minor consumption of alcohol, said Chief Gene Burton of Ball State Police.
Neugent said a 23-year-old patron was also arrested for "displaying signs of intoxication."
The Giant Locker Room was charged for selling an alcoholic beverage to an already intoxicated person, which is prohibited by state law, Neugent said.
The bar was also charged for allowing the minor to loiter inside, he said.
Danny Clemmons, co-assistant manager of The Giant Locker Room, could not be reached for comment on the issue.
Neugent said the Excise police routinely plan raids and undercover investigations at all bars in the Muncie area.
"Overall, the operation appeared to be successful," Neugent said. "From the feedback I got from other officers, the operation turned out fine."
Burton also said the collaboration between the University Police Department and the Excise police was very effective.
The University Police Department generally assists Excise police if they ask for help, he said.
Stewart said he believed the Excise police did well in making sure all state alcohol laws were enforced not only at The Chug but also at all other bars in the Village.
"All bars have a responsibility to the public," Stewart said. "It's important for the Excise police to make sure all bars are going in the right direction."
Wills said he also supports the Excise police's work. "Their job is to combat underage drinking," he said.
Burton said the University Police Department's collaboration with the Excise police will continue to improve the quality of the Village area.
"Excise police enforce all alcoholic beverage laws in the state of Indiana," Burton said. "By collaborating with them, we can make a positive contribution to reducing the problems associated with underage drinking and help the community. "
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