Very sad news about Benefit Raffles @ Stoney

[Marilyn Racine]

Wednesday morning July 27th
We were informed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that Stoney/Danny's could be cited for holding Benefit Raffles. The state representative had copies of many flyers/forum postings pertaining to these raffles.
These raffles have long been an important tool in raising funds for individuals who are ill, have accrued medical bills, and other non-funded community organizations. Raffles have taken place at businesses not only here on the island, but all over. We had no idea that holding these to benefit the community was in any way illegal. The reason for this oversight is because they are so common place. A decision by the MLCC board is pending.
Our apologies to the MLCC and to whomever we may have offended.
We would also like to thank Dana and Eric for their kindness in bringing the state representative out to Stoney to inform us of this oversight.
Our best to you,
Liam & Marilyn

[Ray Cole]

As someone familiar with the Forum and how it can sometimes devolve into long drawn out banter that does not help anyone I would like to clarify part of this issue.
The State Liquor inspector was on the Island to conduct an inspection of the Beaver Island Lodge as a requirement of new partnership/owners. After our meeting at the Lodge the inspector asked for a ride to Stoney and another location. It was assumed that we would merely drop of the inspector at Stoney for whatever business was to be conducted. Instead we were informed that "it would only take a minute" and were asked to wait. Whatever transpired between the inspector and Stoney was and is unkown to us and had nothing to do with the "taxi" driver.
I know the truth doesn't make as good a story as could be built around this but those are the facts and we are sorry we even did the Beaver Island hospitality thing and offered the ride.

[Marilyn Racine]

I wish 'whomever' had one-by one collected the stack of Raffle Benefit postings and flyers, had come to us with the first one, and told us that doing a raffle benefit is 'illegal' if you have a liquor liscense, and that you have to go through the Michigan State Lottery.
When the MLCC represenative was handed them and she in turn came to us before Stoney opened this morning, and informed us with stack in hand that we will receive a violation letter in the mail within a week...and it will have to go before the MLCC board for the outcome...I was shocked. We work very hard to run a good business, and are saddened that 'whomever' reported Stoney for the benefit Raffles, wouldn't have been kind enough with the first one in the stack, to have informed us, and we could have corrected the situation.
I wish we could all get along.
We will continue to do our best,
Marilyn & Liam Racine

[kirsten johnson]

That is sad news. I hope everything works out, as you are the last island 'pub' that recognizes the importance of supporting your community and how their support is vital to your business. Thank you, and best of luck.

[Marilyn Racine]

Thank you, We truly have tried to do right and give our best to the island...including the benefit Raffles. We are always at our business working, so besides outright donations, the raffles seemed like a good way to do something for the island community.
I am floored by this whole situation, and can not fathom what we possibly could have done to someone, to warrant their wrath.
And although the MLCC representative was here to help with the transfer of his liquor liscense, my curiosity is peaked as to why Ray responded, and not those named in the original posting who gave the ride. Regardless, I truly hope the outcome for all of us will be good, and yes, helping others by giving a lift, is the island way...my first visit here, walking from the campground in pouring rain, we appreciated getting a lift from the McDonough girls. Seems like a long time ago. Marilyn Racine

[AEW]

It,s a damn shame. No one should need "permission" from anyone to do good things for others in their community. Thank you state of Michigan...

[taraandchuck]

Marylin and Liam,
We are so sorry to hear this. Those benefits have helped many people in our community. It is sad that someone felt they were doing the right thing by turning you in for these benefits and raffles. The island has always extended a hand to help others in need, but this may cause the spirit to change if people are worried about being fined.

I hope that everything works out for you. We love Stoney's food and we love Donegal Danny's atmosphere. You do a lot to provide a great service to Beaver Island and its visitors and always make everyone feel welcome. I hope whoever did this can live with themselves.
Best wishes,
Tara & Chuck

[bee]

I wish to thank everyone who has provided me "taxi" service in the past. Apparently this has become a very big issue. It also amazes me how quickly folks are to point fingers. Unfortunately I had no idea of the animosity that existed between Marilyn & Liam and Eric & Danna. Eric & Danna never expressed any feelings either way however it became apparent when talking with the Racine's. I arrive with a limited amount of time. I asked Eric & Dana if they would be kind enough to drop me at the Racines because I needed to talk with them. Eric & Dana had no idea why I needed to speak with them they simply provided the "taxi" service. However upon leaving it became extremely apparent of Liam's animosity through some rather childish behavior that was demonstrated. Whether folks agree with government or not, when you obtain a license you are agreeing to the terms of that license. It is a contract and if you do not abide by the terms, that license can be taken away. So I simply discussed this with Marilyn and informed her that I did not know what the determination would be at this time but that I would get back with her. Even after the behavior demonstrated in the parking lot, Eric & Dana did not express any animosity for the Racine's. I think they just felt bad for giving me a ride over there and if I had to do it over I would have reversed by appt's and someone else would have been giving me a ride once again with no knowledge of the reason I was speaking with the Racines. In general I come to provide a service and I try to help folks get whatever they need relatively quickly. However part of the job is also enforcement and when someone is doing something that they shouldn't be doing then I need to address that also. I do not wish to put any of you in a bad position because of my job and had I known this would have created a problem, I would have chosen a different way to get to the Racines because I still needed to speak with them irreguardsless of how I arrived. My sincere appologies to Dana & Eric for their graceousness.

[Kim Connaghan Jones]

Being "The State Liquor Inspector", I find it in very poor taste for you to post what you have. Being in the job you are, you should remain neutral which your post clearly shows you haven't. You didn't even have the guts to use your real name.

Both businesses have had benefits to help those in need. It's very sad that anyone be punished for the generosity of caring for the people in their community. It's even sadder that someone stooped to this level and they should be very ashamed of themselves.

[taraandchuck]

Well said Kim and Ken!

[Bernadette Green Cole]

Dear Bee, Certainly as a professional you have learned of the etiquette expected of you, when you write a public statement, you need to sign your name to indicate that you stand behind what it is that you write.
Otherwise, it may cause folks to wonder if it is the actual person making the statement, or that it is really your thoughts. Also, is it common practice for your organization to send you to a location to "check" on businesses without arranging transportation?
Just my thoughts......
Bernadette Green Cole, RN
PS One more question, if I may, how did you become aware of this forum?

[Marilyn Racine]

We are trying to deal with this on a daily basis. Our feelings are fluctuating between hurt and sadness, to frustration. It feels to us as though we're part of a witch hunt, and we're not as welcomed here as we once were. It has been said to us that most 'outsiders' don't make it more than five years here. We love the island and have worked hard to make this our home over the last ten years, and we have felt the islanders are not only our friends, but an extended family.
We now also know that yes, we did something wrong by holding benefit raffles. Someone questioned yesterday if we had profited from the raffles, getting guests in the door to by tickets and then getting them to buy a beverage. Most every raffle was planned on a Band Night...the band is what brought people in, so we would then have someone to sell the tickets to. Regardless, we were unknowingly in the wrong. We can only hope we get an unbiased representation of our case when it goes before the MLCC board. Somehow after our first posting, and the response by someone who wasn't in the car and the response by the MLCC representative, and the silence by others whose actions spoke louder than their words...we fear the outcome. We will not be posting again until we hear from the MLCC board. Our thanks and gratitude to those who have wished us well and encouraged us to be strong.
Our best to you,
Marilyn & Liam Racine

[Marilyn Racine]

Thanks Ken, it might, but maybe should hold off until we receive our infraction notice from the MLCC, I will let you know exactly what the charge states.

[bee]

Oh my goodness - how blown out of proporation this has become. The few forums I've participated in, people have used nick names etc. Mine is just so origonal , my name is Debbie and it means bee. Just for the record, I have always had a good relationship with Marilyn and on this date in question, it was no different. I hope it continues. I'm sorry if you misread what I wrote, I simply stated the facts. At this point the outcome has been left to me and Marilyn is aware of it if she cares to share it. In regards to the transporation question, I have had this area for over 15 years and thank God I've never encountered this before. The people I have dealt with have always been hospitable and gracious including the Racines and have always been accomodating especially in getting me to the airport etc. As most folks are aware, the state has budget issues and it seems when I figured out the cost to transport the car, my time etc. it was cheaper for me to fly or take the ferry without the car. Perhaps I need to revisit this again but I think the outcome will still be the same.
It's very sad when people on such a small island can't get along and work together for the good of everyone. I hope you are all able to work through this. If anyone has legitimate liquor questions or concerns, my phone number is (231)599-2895. Oh yes, I forgot one question, how I learned about this forum - Lansing.
Have a nice day everyone

[Marilyn Racine]

At 10:30 this morning, I received two phone calls from Debbie Comber, the MLCC representative for this area. She informed me that the initial decision will be up to her, but that the MLCC out of Lansing has the final decision. There has been nothing in writing at this point, but she verbally stated that she will be issuing us a 'warning ticket'. I am unsure if there is a fine with this. She has not sent anything out yet, but once she does, the MLCC in Lansing can either agree with it, or issue their own decision. Therefore, we are in limbo for awhile, and are hoping for the best. When we do hear from Lansing with our final out come, we will post it.
Peace,
Marilyn