By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County Sheriff’s detectives will soon conduct inspections of local liquor licenses holders because the sheriff says there weren’t enough state government inspectors to do the job.

Sheriff Jon Sandage said the department has entered into an agreement with the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to inspect 141 liquor establishments in the county and in Normal. He said Bloomington will conduct its own inspections.

Some liquor establishments, according to the sheriff, have gone two or three years without an inspection.

“Overall, we have very responsible liquor establishment owners,” said Sandage.

“We looked at it also as a way to form a better relationship with our liquor license holders, and get to know them better, and get to know their establishments better,” the sheriff added.

Sandage said the state will reimburse the county $75 for each inspection through June 30 of next year.

Inspectors look for cleanliness, they verify insurance, and make sure businesses are not engaging in deceptive practices such as buying alcohol from grocery stores instead of distributors.

Sandage said detectives have recently completed their training and will begin inspections the next week or two.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]