11-22-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 22, 2003 There was no one from the general public present wishing to comment on this matter. Mr. Blesener introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOI. UTION NO. 2003-10-239 -CONTINUING THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR AMENDMENT TO CUP AND VARIANCE FOR VAL OR ENTERPRISES UNTIL THE NOVEMBER 26, 2003 COUNCIL MEETING PENDING A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PLANNING COMMIS:S'ION The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by LaValle. Ayes (5) Blesener, LaValle, Fahey, Anderson, Montow'. Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. ON-SALE Mayor Fahey opened the Public Hearing to consider issues related to LIQUOR on-sale liquor licensing, specifically 2 a.m. closing time, establishment LICENSING of a 2 a.m. license fee, increase in on-sale liquor license fee, and increase in on-sale wine license fee. Tom and Jocelyn Duray, owners of Hoggsbreath, appeared before the Council to represent the on-sale liquor establishments in their request that the Council amend the ordinance to allow fora 2 a.m. bar closing time. Tom Duray pointed out that the Hoggsbreath has been a good business in the community acrd has existed for the past 27 years. He noted the long history with the Little Canada Fire Department as the Department operates a pull-tab site at I-loggsbreath that generates revenue that helps support equipment needs of the Fire Department. Duray also pointed out that the Hoggsbreath has been the sponsors of many recreation teams in the community. Duray noted that Hoggsbreath has approximately 80 employees and the pull-tab operation employs another 15 people. With regard to the 2 a.m. closing time, Duray presented a map of Ramsey County that showed all the establishments that have been licensed fora 2 a.m. closing time. Duray pointed out that Little Canada is surrounded by these establishments. He noted that the issue is not just one of staying open an additional hour, but that business is being lost as some customers will not go to a liquor estab]ishment that closes at 1 a.m. Duray presented financial information that showed the negative financial impact to Hoggsbreath over the past three months since the 2 a.m. closing time has been adopted in other cities. Duray indicated that those liquor establishments iu other cities that are able to stay open until 2 a.m. now have an unfair advantage over Little Canada's liquor establishments.