A. After public hearing as provided herein, and if the liquor commissioner determines that any of the grounds for fine and/or suspension or revocation of a license exists as stated in this chapter, the liquor commissioner may do any of the following:
1. Impose a fine against the licensee. Any fine imposed shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for a first violation within a twelve (12) month period, one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00) for a second violation within a twelve (12) month period, and two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500.00) for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve (12) month period. Each day on which a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation for which a separate fine may be assessed. Fines may be payable in the manner indicated in any order which results from a hearing, or as the liquor commissioner may otherwise specify in writing, and the failure to pay any part of the fine as so indicated or specified may result in the license being summarily suspended or revoked by the liquor commissioner. The licensee may request a hearing on such action; but pending a hearing and a decision thereon by the liquor commissioner, the license shall remain suspended or revoked. It shall be the duty of each licensee who cannot make a fine payment as indicated or specified to request a hearing at the earliest possible time to explain the situation and request that license(s) not be suspended or revoked, as provided for herein, or for any other reason. Any fine may be collected in court as provided by law. (1999 Code § 3.34; amd. 2005 Code)
2. May suspend the liquor license of such licensee for a period of not more than thirty (30) days.
3. May revoke the liquor license of such licensee.
4. May suspend the liquor license and fine the licensee for a term and an amount consistent with the subsections A1 and A2 of this section.
B. In making this determination to reprimand, fine or suspend or revoke, or in determining the amount of a fine imposed or the length of a suspension imposed, the liquor commissioner may consider any of the following:
1. The nature of the violation.
2. Past violations of the licensee occurring within the immediately preceding three (3) year period.
3. Past action of the liquor commissioner in comparable situations.
4. The factual situation and circumstances surrounding the violation as presented at the public hearing. (1999 Code § 3.34)