On the same day, two Kelowna breweries were caught serving alcohol to minors, and a chain restaurant in the city was also caught doing the same.

Back on Feb. 24, a sting operation conducted by the Liquor Control and Licensing Act's Minors as Agents Program (MAP) resulted in fines to Lakesider Brewing and Kelowna Beer Institute as they both sold alcohol to minors or MAPs.

The sting operation by a MAP (17 years old) and two inspectors continued on that day.

At about 7:55 p.m., Inspector A entered Montana's Cookhouse and Bar (located at 400-1500 Banks Road), where a female employee sat him in the bar area of the restaurant. After seated in a spot with a clear view of the bar area, Inspector A texted Inspector B to tell the MAP to walk in. The same female employee took the MAP to a bar area seat, approximately 15 feet away from Inspector A.

Inspector A watched as the MAP interacted with the employee and ordered a 330ml bottle of Corona. At no time did the employee ask the MAP for two pieces of identification.

After this, Inspector A gave the MAP the signal to leave the restaurant, which they did. After that, Inspector A identified the employee and the manager that he's a liquor and cannabis inspector and told them about the contravention.

Right after this, the employee was taken off the floor for the night and after a discussion with her manager and general manager, returned to her duties a night or two later. 

The employee admitted to making the mistake, testifying it was "very busy" in the restaurant that night. The manager also recalls the night being very busy and seeing Inspector A entering the restaurant but not the MAP.

Because there is no record of a proven contravention of the same type in the last 24 months, Montana's was handed the minimum penalty of $7,000. A sign showing the penalty must be on display in the establishment.