An investigation into the sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 21 was conducted by investigators on Friday, Jan. 27 at Country Rock Cafe at 2700 North Expressway, Griffin. The investigation, said Sheriff Wendell Beam, led to the arrest of Country Rock employee Tiffany Diane Schafer. 34, on charges of furnishing/sale of alcohol to a person under 21 years of age.
No other arrests were made, Beam said.
“We were trying to stop it at the source,” Beam said.
In an unrelated investigation, Beam said, in response to complaints that the Country Rock Cafe was using chains and padlocks to secure the exit doors, investigators conducted an inspection of the business on Jan. 14, and found chains and padlocks securing the exit doors.
Beam said this activity violates the state fire code and Spalding County ordinances. The manager, Robert James Bateman, 37, has been charged with the violation under the Spalding County ordinance.
While that matter has been taken care of, Beam said his office “will make periodic checks to verify.”
And what exactly is this “it” that they are trying to stop at the source? Underage drinking? I hardly think that this one employee is some criminal mastermind bent on corrupting our youth or is “the source” of this underage drinking problem (real or perceived). How about concentrating more on the real issues with drugs, violence and gangs in our county that truly threaten our society and way of life?
What isn’t being told is that a single drink was allegedly sold in a crowd of hundreds on a night that was advertised on Facebook as if it were a 21 and up concert night. A reasonable explanation would be that, if anything, a human error was made with no intent to harm anyone, or violate any laws and with absolutely no benefit to be gained by doing so. Furthermore, as already demonstrated by the questionable investigative techniques, it is logical to assume that the treachery and deception could have included a rouge wristband. I know for a fact that IDs are checked at the door and wristbands are issued and checked constantly and consistently. I also know that these same wristbands can be purchased at Party City and countless online sources. Just saying.