Fort Smith (Mar 21/05) - Two bars in Fort Smith have received the same punishment for the same liquor offence on the same night.

The Pinecrest Hotel and the Landing Lounge were both fined $1,000 and ordered closed for two days - from 10 a.m. on April 7 to 10 a.m. on April 9 - following show-cause hearings March 14 before the Liquor Licensing Board.

The staff and management of both establishments are also required to attend a server training course within 60 days.

The punishment was for incidents on Oct. 16, when a liquor inspector spotted an employee of each establishment consuming alcohol.

Don Kindt, chair of the Liquor Licensing Board, says, under the Liquor Act, no worker is allowed to drink while working.

"In one case, it was a bartender. In the other case, it was a doorman," Kindt says.

While in Fort Smith, the Liquor Licensing Board also held a public meeting on March 15 to hear any concerns from licence-holders and the general public.

However, no one showed up for the meetings.

"So they must not have had any burning issues," Kindt says.

The board also approved a number of applications.

They include a dining room liquor licence for the Salt & Pepper Family Restaurant in Hay River, a club liquor licence for the Seven Spruce Golf Club in Fort Simpson, and a dining room liquor licence for the Prince of Wales Heritage Cafe in Yellowknife.