Wayland Eatery Fails 2nd Alcohol Compliance Check in Just Over 2 Years

Just over two years since its prior violation, Viva Mexican Grill and Tequileria has again failed an undercover alcohol compliance check.

On Tuesday, May 21, Wayland Police conducted regular alcohol compliance checks at 12 Wayland establishments. Viva Mexican Grill was the only one that failed.

According to a police press release, police sent two minors, an 18-year-old and a 19-year-old, into the 12 establishments throughout town with instructions to attempt to purchase alcohol without showing their IDs. At Viva, they were served.

, when two 19-year-olds were served alcohol during a routine check. In that case, the bartender who served the minors wasn't TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certified, according to police. While the state doesn't regulate alcohol service certification, the Wayland Board of Selectmen, the town's liquor licensing board, does.

At the time of the prior compliance failure, selectmen unanimously approved a yearlong liquor license probation period for Viva. Any alcohol violations during the probation period, which ended on May 16, 2012, would have resulted in a five-day liquor license suspension. 

Police Chief Robert Irving said he expects the Board of Selectmen will hold a violation hearing on June 24. At that time, the nature of the violation will be discussed with both police and the restaurant's representative testifying, the chief will issue his recommended penalty and selectmen will make the final penalty decision.

Until the hearing, Viva can continue serving alcohol as the restaurant is considered innocent until proven guilty.