Bar owner, bartender at Moyie Club charged with after-hour sales of beer

The owner of the Moyie Club and a bartender for the Moyie Springs bar on Monday pled not guilty to selling beer after hours.

Deborah Hays, 48, of Bonners Ferry and bartender William Edward Healey, 50, of Moyie Springs told Justice Justin Julian they have hired an attorney to fight the misdemeanor charges. If found guilty, Hays and Healey could pay up to $1,000 in fines and spent up to six months in jail. The bar is reportedly closed at this time.

According to court records, Boundary County Sheriff’s Deputy Willie Eddy drove by the Moyie Club on Roosevelt Street at 4:18 a.m. Nov. 29. Eddy saw the door was open and lights were on inside the bar.

He saw Hays seated at the bar with three to four beers in front of her, and Healey was standing behind the bar with a clear glass that appeared to have beer in it, according to court records.

When Eddy went inside, Hays told him they were still cleaning the bar, according to court records. Hays also told Eddy she thought the law only apply to serving hard liquor after hours.

Bars must stop selling alcohol after 1 a.m., said Lt. Bob Clements with Idaho State Police Alcohol and Beverage Control. With permission from the city of Moyie Springs, the club could serve until 2 a.m.

No one could be reached with the city to confirm whether or not an ordinance is in place.

During the investigation, Eddy reminded Hays, who appeared drunk and had slurred speech, about a warning he gave her on Oct. 31 for drinking after hours, according to court records.

Healey told Eddy they were relaxing, talking about their 16-hour day. Healey also told Eddy he had no idea they couldn’t have a drink after hours, according to court records.

Clements said the state could also suspend the bar’s license for 10 days and levy a $1,000 fine. He didn’t know of any other violations at the Moyie Club.

Hays had no comment when she left the courtroom after her arraignment.