Opinion ID: 1616417
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: 11 csr 70-2.140

Text: In 11 CSR 70-2.140(11), the division interprets section 311.060.2(2) as an absolute bar prohibiting a liquor licensee from employing a felon in a position involving the direct retail sale of liquor. The regulation is inconsistent with section 311.060.2(2) and section 561.016.1(4) and is invalid. Section 561.016.1(4) provides that any legal disqualification because of a felony conviction must be reasonably related to the competency of the felon to exercise the right or privilege at issue. [5] However, 11 CSR 70-2.140(11) disqualifies felons from employment in any position involving the direct retail sale of liquor without a determination of whether there is a reasonable relationship between the conviction and the disqualification. The Division's interpretation of section 311.060.2(2) conflicts with the reasonable relationship requirement of section 561.016.1(4). If two statutes can be reasonably reconciled, it is this Court's duty to do so and give effect to both. County of Jefferson v. Quiktrip Corp., 912 S.W.2d 487, 490 (Mo. banc 1995). The statutes are consistent with one another and both must be given effect. Section 311.060.2(2) should be interpreted consistently with section 561.016.1(4) by requiring a finding of a reasonable relationship between the employee's felony conviction and any employment disqualification before any discipline on a liquor license can be imposed. Section 311.060.2(2) provides that if the employee is involved directly in retail sales, then the employee's felony conviction can be the sole reason for disciplining the liquor license. The fact that a felony conviction can be the sole reason for disciplining the license does not necessarily mean that any conviction automatically disqualifies a felon from employment in a position involving the direct retail sale of liquor. Assuming there is a finding of a reasonable relationship, then the conviction could serve as the sole basis for disciplining the license under section 311.060.2(2) and effectively precluding the employee from further employment. The reasonable relationship finding could be made on an individualized basis or through more extensive regulations classifying the types of felonies that are reasonably related to disqualifying an individual from engaging in the direct retail sale of liquor. This interpretation is further supported by the presumption that the legislature is aware of the state of the law when it enacts a statute. See, In the Matter of Nocita, 914 S.W.2d 358, 359 (Mo. banc 1996). Because the plain language of the statutes is not inconsistent, it is reasonable to conclude that the legislature intended to incorporate the reasonable relationship requirement of section 561.016.1(4) into the subsequently enacted section 311.060.2(2). Consequently, 11 CSR 70-2.140(11) is inconsistent with section 311.060.2(2) and is invalid. [6] Levinson's employment as a bartender was not unlawful and did not constitute a parole violation. The judgment is reversed and the case remanded for the circuit court to determine whether the felony Levinson is convicted of is reasonably related to his competency to work in a position involving the direct retail sale of intoxicating liquors and to enter judgment accordingly. All concur.