Moving liquor lands group in hot water

BELLA VISTA — Preparing for an opening that later was delayed got the Property Owners Association into trouble with the Arkansas Beverage Control Commission.

On June 14, two commission enforcement agents inspected the Highlands Clubhouse and found liquor, but no receipt. An employee was questioned and it was discovered the liquor had been moved from the Lakepoint Restaurant to the Highlands Clubhouse.

The clubhouse was set to open a snack bar with alcoholic beverages available. The ABC permit for the Highlands, as well as the permit for Lakepoint, are in the name of association business development director Tommy Lee. Association General Manager Tom Judson said moving the liquor was a mistake. Employees were trying to make sure the clubhouse was ready to open.

According to a violation report filed with the ABC, Lee traveled to Little Rock on June 9 to pick up the Highlands permit. June 9 was a Friday and Lee called an ABC enforcement agent and explained there wouldn’t be time to accept a delivery when he returned with the permit, according to the report.

Lee asked if he could move alcohol from Lakepoint to the Highlands and was told no.

On June 12, the ABC received an anonymous call saying liquor was delivered from Lakepoint to the Highlands.

The inspection was two days later.