What can trigger a compliance check at a liquor establishment?

A compliance check at a liquor establishment can indeed be triggered by customer complaints. This is crucial because customer feedback is essential for regulatory bodies to ensure that establishments are adhering to laws and regulations pertaining to the sale and service of alcohol. When complaints are received regarding a licensee's behavior, such as selling to underage customers or serving intoxicated individuals, it raises a red flag that warrants investigation. Regulatory agencies prioritize ensuring public safety and compliance with liquor laws, so complaints serve as an important mechanism for them to identify potential violations that need to be addressed.

Scheduled inspections typically happen at regular intervals, but they are not typically triggered by specific incidents. Compliments from patrons generally do not prompt compliance checks, as they do not indicate any potential violation. An increase in liquor sales does not automatically suggest that regulations are being followed, and thus does not serve as a trigger for compliance checks in the same manner as direct complaints from customers.