The owner of a Rincon restaurant and bar has been arrested following an investigation by the alcohol and tobacco unit of the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Mark L. Malke, 49, owner of Alibi’s Sports Bar and Grill, was arrested Tuesday for possession and transportation of non-tax paid alcohol. He was also charged with possession, transportation and sale of non-tax paid alcohol. These charges are misdemeanors.
Ronald Huckaby, special agent in charge for the Georgia Department of Revenue, said Malke was under investigation for about two months after the alcohol and tobacco unit received several complaints.
“The complaints were the purchase of alcohol from other than a license holder and that drinks didn’t taste right. That they may have been watered down,” Huckaby said.
Huckaby said during surveillance of the restaurant on Ga. 21 Tuesday morning, Malke was seen removing a box of liquor from his car trunk that he had purchased in South Carolina.
“There was no Georgia tax paid on this alcohol,” Huckaby said.
Investigators then seized three cases of 1.75 liter bottles of various liquors.
Also seized was Malke’s 2008 Cadillac STS, used to transport the alcohol.
Administrative charges against Malke’s alcohol license have also been filed.
Those include: unlawful acts, purchase from other than a license holder and refilling bottles.
Case agent for the Department of Revenue is Matt Ogburn.
Huckaby said the restaurant and bar still has its alcohol license and had not been shut down.
“They have a right to due process and a hearing.”
Huckaby said the city council can vote to revoke the license.
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the arrest.
Malke was booked into the Effingham County Jail.