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City of Centerville <br />City Council Meeting Minutes <br />December 11, 2024 <br />Discussion ensued regarding previous processes in handling similar situations, a licensee’s right to speak <br />or chose not to speak to the Council prior to prosecution proceedings, the mayor’s desire not to have an <br />individual jeopardize their due process and consensus of all members not to jeopardize anyone’s due <br />process and not to impose a civil penalty until the prosecution proceedings are complete. <br /> <br />Administrator Statz stated that Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, is a retail tobacco business and their <br />violation was a tobacco violation only, officer on site issued a citation on site while the violation occurred, <br />and this issue does not need to follow the same procedure as the previous business’ violations. City <br />Attorney Glaser stated that he felt that it was justifiable to impose a fine at this time as the issue does not <br />have the same requirements of prosecution. <br /> <br />Mayor Love asked if the owner of Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC wanted to speak as he was in the <br />audience. Mr. Rashad Qawasma introduced himself and addressed Council. He stated that he owned <br />Centerville Tobacco Plus, LLC, located at 1869 Main Street and since the incident happened, he and his <br />wife have upgraded their cash register/point of sale equipment which requires scanning of an identification <br />card and added additional signage within the business. He stated that it was not an excuse, but they were <br />remodeling as they were new owners at the time of the violation, and he was out of the store most of the <br />time. He stated that his employee was not trained enough. He stated that currently things have improved. <br />Council Member Koski asked Mr. Qawasma if he owned additional locations and had there been similar <br />issues at those locations. Mr. Qawasma stated that he does own an additional location, has since 2021 and <br />not had a violation at that location. Mayor Love stated that repeat offenses are a concern. Council Member <br />Koski concurred with Mayor Love’s concern and stated that Mr. Qawasma can understand where the <br />Council is coming from. Council Member Mosher asked that every sale requires the scanning of an <br />identification card and Mr. Qawasma concurred. Council Member Mosher asked about the 21 years of <br />age or older signage to be in the store and Mr. Qawasma explained that they originally requested the <br />license for tobacco retail (cigarettes and premium cigar sales). He explained that they do sell water, <br />lighters, etc. but would not to someone who is under the age of 21. A representative of Centerville <br />Tobacco Plus, LLC stated that they are a 21 + establishment and transactions for individuals with <br />identification cards under 21, would be cancelled by the machine. <br /> <br />Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Mosher to Adopt Res. #24-031 – <br />Tobacco Sale Violation Penalty as submitted. All in favor. Motion carried. <br /> <br />6. Liquor License Renewal <br /> <br />a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel – Off Sale) <br /> <br />Mayor Love called for discussion, Council Member Taylor stated that upon resolution of the case, that <br />council be briefed and have an opportunity to impose City Code violations penalties if appropriate. <br /> <br />Motion by Council Member Taylor, seconded by Council Member Sweeney to Approve the Renewal <br />of Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) – Off Sale License for 2025 as submitted. All <br />in favor. Motion carried. <br /> <br />7. Tobacco License Renewal <br /> <br />a. Wyoming Liquor (dba Main Street Liquor Barrel) <br /> <br />Page 6 of 9 <br /> <br /> <br />