Pick's loses liquor license
Pick's Bowling Center will lose its liquor license due to violating the settlement agreement established in 2009 involving other violations including the death of Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Hayes and Columbia Falls resident Travis Vandersloot.
In 2009 the Montana Department of Revenue filed a notice of revocation against Louwania Pickavance with seven violations, five of which were related were related to the crash that killed Hayes and Vandersloot.
Vandersloot, 29, consumed 13 alcoholic beverages while working at the bowling center, even after closing time, before leaving in his car, which collided with Hayes' on U.S. Highway 93.
Criminal charges were filed against bartender Nathan Hale and bar manager Diana Pickavance. In order for the bowling center to remain in business the license was sold to family member David Pickavance under the condition that the license would be revoked if the bowling alley had two alcohol violations within the next three years.
The first violation occurred in April 2011 with the sale of alcohol to a minor, which led to suspending their license for 20 days during June and July. A similar violation occurred last month and will result in revocation without the opportunity for a hearing before a Department of Revenue examiner.
Officials at the Department of Revenue have not determined an exact date to enforce the revocation action.
The current licensee, David Pickavance, may reapply for a liquor license one year from the date of the revocation as long as there are licenses available in Bigfork and the bowling center has demonstrated they have taken steps to prevent future violations.
When contacted by the Bigfork Eagle, Pick's Bowling Center declined comment.
The Department of Revenue is also seeking to revoke the liquor license of the Blue Moon Nite Club near Columbia Falls because of alcohol related violations.
This case involves seven bartenders who allegedly served alcohol to Tyrone Stallcup, 29, who was later arrested and charged with vehicular homicide under the influence and the death of Lakeisha Thibault, 19, of Eureka on Feb. 12, 2010.