Councilwoman appeals mimosas guilty verdict

Associated Press

A West Point councilwoman has been found guilty of violating a city ordinance by serving mimosas at her Columbus bridal shop.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that Columbus Recorder's Court Judge Michael Cielinski found 41-year-old Judy Wilkinson guilty Wednesday and sentenced her to 30 days of probation.

Wilkinson immediately appealed the verdict. Her attorney, Ben Wilcox, says the city code is unconstitutional because it says no one in a business can possess alcohol without an alcohol license.

Wilkinson was arrested and taken away in handcuffs in front of about 25 customers during a showing at Formal Elegance on Saturday.

A police officer pretended to be shopping for a tuxedo at the store and called for backup when he saw the drinks made of champagne and orange juice being served.

Wilkinson said five officers stormed in and demanded she surrender the champagne.

———

Information from: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, http://www.ledger-enquirer.com