Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

« CVS trial: Power won't cooperate; recess until tomorrow | Today | Rally shows support for state's lead paint case / Photo »

May 14, 2008

SNM Liquors license revoked after teens testify

The Providence Board of Licenses today voted three to zero to immediately revoke the liquor license of SNM liquors, a Douglass Ave. liquor store.

The board concluded that the evidence in a hearing last week showed that two Barrington teenagers came into the store and bought 90 cans of beer and a point of vodka on Nov. 5 of last year.

Testimony at that hearing showed that some of the beers were consumed by Michael J. Silvera,16, before he drove drunk on New Meadow Road in Barrington and wrecked his car, killing his 16-year-old passenger and best friend Jonathan C. Converse.

Board Chairman Andrew J. Annaldo said the sale to the minors by SNM Liquors proprietor Shawn Merilan shows “willful and wanton disregard of the public safety.”

Annaldo said that if the board didn’t revoke the license, “it would jeopardize public safety.”

Merilan was not present, but on hand was Barrington Police Chief John LaCross. He said that the decision of the board is “sending a very strong and severe message” that liquor stores should not sell to minors, and that he hopes licensees react by making sure that their employees are diligent about screening their customers.

-- Journal staff writer Gregory Smith

Posted by Brandie Jefferson at 2:23 PM | Permalink

Comments

How much is a point?

me | May 14, 2008 3:24 PM link

"How much is a point?"

Whatever it takes for people to get the "point" to stop the sale of liquor to under-aged kids.

Like there aren't enough legal-aged adults to sell to in order to sustain your business.

The signs at the register say for cigarettes that if you look under 30(or 40)you will be carded so, maybe they should do that for alcohol to if they don't already do it.

Paul | May 14, 2008 6:53 PM link

I am grateful that they took away his license. Anything less would be a travesty. Originally,
this liquor store was given a $300 fine. I was perplexed how we could have $500 fines for littering on a local bridge or highway, but not punish someone who wantonly and repeatedly disregards such an important law, and was complicit in the death of a one of our youth.
In the name of a profit he chose to sell alcohol to minors. He should not be allowed ever to have the power to sell alcohol again, ever.
I hope the message is loud enough for all package store owners to hear- SELL TO OUR CHILDREN AND YOU WILL BE CLOSED DOWN. PERIOD.
I am so proud of Chief LaCrosse for his dedication to this issue!

kim | May 15, 2008 7:28 AM link

May 14, 2008

SNM Liquors license revoked after teens testify

Comments

Post a comment