Liquor Control Agent

The mission of the State of Connecticut, Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is to ensure a fair and equitable marketplace as well as safe products and services for consumers in the industries that it regulates.

The Liquor Control Division oversees compliance and enforcement of all laws and regulations concerning the distribution of alcoholic liquor within Connecticut, review of all new liquor permit applications for suitability, reviews transfer of interest/stock transactions, substitute permittee applications, investigates complaints of violations of the Liquor Control Act and its regulations, conducts undercover and compliance operations with local and state police. The office is located at 450 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, CT.

The positions are full time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.

All applicants must include a resume within the "Resume Tab" of their application. Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact the Agency Human Resources office: Mitch Samal, mitchell.j.samal@ct.gov, 860-713-5107.

This position is competitive. Open to the public.

Selected candidates are required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

Note:  At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position.  These documents may include:  a cover letter, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.

State employees currently holding the above title or those who have previously attained permanent status in this class may apply for a lateral transfer.

In the Department of Consumer Protection, Liquor Control Division, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks in making field inspections and conducting investigations in connection with the administration and enforcement of the Liquor Control Act and regulations of the Department and the Liquor Control Commission.

Inspects permit premises or proposed permit premises for conformance with state statutes and regulations under Liquor Control Acts within an assigned territory as follows:
1. Application Investigation: New applications and renewals, Removal applications, Transfer of Stock applications. Interviews principals; investigates background of principals by personal interview, checks police records, etc.; documents source of all finances involved in transaction; examines records and accounting procedures for conformance with policy and regulations; inspects permit premises or proposed permit premises for conformance with proposed physical requirements and recommends alterations as necessary; reports any violations of building or fire codes to appropriate authorities; testifies in legal proceedings both before Commission and within judicial system.
2. Annual Renewal Inspections: Inspects premises annually to confirm ownership, physical facility and class of operation are consistent with conditions of original liquor permit and business operates in accordance with permit; documents findings in inspection report; cites violations for Commission review; testifies in legal proceedings both before Commission and within judicial system.
3. Special Investigations: Receives assignments regarding violation of ownership, selling liquor outside of business hours, etc.; investigates alleged violations of laws and regulations by interviewing complainants, taking statements, observing premises, examining corporate and financial records, personnel files, inventories, etc.; determines nature and extent of violations; prepares comprehensive reports including evidence and documentation; assists in preparation of departmental hearings or court cases; testifies in court and at hearings before Commission.

Considerable knowledge of investigative methods and techniques; knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply relevant agency policies and procedures; knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; basic knowledge of health, sanitary, zoning and fire code regulations; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to read and interpret blueprints and building plans; ability to utilize computer software.

Five (5) years of experience in investigatory work, technical or administrative work in the liquor industry or other related industry dealing with the general public.
Note: Related industry is interpreted as any business such as a restaurant, grocery store, pharmacy, etc. which would necessitate some familiarity with liquor statutes and regulations as well as health, sanitary, zoning and fire code regulations.

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

• Work experience conducting investigations and interview techniques;
• Work experience testifying in court and administrative hearings;
• Work experience in the preparation of written documents and materials;
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

1. Incumbents in this class are subject to Section 30-4 of the Connecticut General Statutes which states in part: “…no employee of the Department of Consumer Protection who carries out the duties and responsibilities of sections 30-2 to 30-68mm, inclusive, and the regulations enacted thereunder may, directly or indirectly, individually or as a member of a partnership or as a shareholder of a corporation, have any interest whatsoever in dealing in or in the manufacture of alcoholic liquor, nor receive any commission or profit whatsoever from nor have any interest whatsoever in the purchases or sales made by the persons authorized by this chapter to purchase or sell alcoholic liquor...".
2. Incumbents in this class are subject to work unscheduled hours.
3. Incumbents in this class are required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate will be made before persons are certified for appointment.

1. Incumbents in this class must be in good health and must have and retain sufficient physical strength, stamina, agility, visual and auditory acuity to effectively perform the duties of the class.
2. Applicants may be required to pass a physical examination.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to threatening situations in the conduct of investigations.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.