As of November 1, 2015, can a bondsman hold an ownership interest in a restaurant establishment where alcohol beverages are lawfully sold?

• A. No
• B. Only if the bondsman is a partner
• C. Yes
• D. Only if the establishment has a separate license

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is whether a bondsman may have a stake in another business that sells alcohol. As of November 1, 2015, there is no rule that bars a bondsman from owning an equity interest in a restaurant that legally serves alcohol. The bail bond license governs the bondsman’s work in the bail industry, while ownership in a separate, lawful business is a different matter. Owning the restaurant as a passive investor does not inherently affect the bondsman’s qualifications, provided there’s no improper use of client information or conflicts of interest and all licenses and regulations for both businesses are followed. So, yes, ownership interest is allowed.