11-22-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOQER 22, 2003 Duray felt the issue was also one of public safety in that customers will leave a bar in a hung before I a.m. to get to a bar with a 2 a.m. closing time. Duray felt that au unsafe driving environment is created when perhaps 20 or 25 people are hurrying to a bar with a 2 a.m. closing time. He also noted that his security people leave the Hoggsbreath at approximately 1:30 a.m. Since the extended closing time was adopted in adjacent cities, there are typically 15 to 20 cars in the parking lot at 1:30 a.m. These people are returning for their vehicles at 2:30 a.m., and security personnel are not present to ensure that there are no noise problems. Duray pointed out he has always worked with the management acrd residents of the mobilehome park to ensure that his business does not negatively impact these adjacent residents Duray indicated that he would continue these efforts in the future. Duray also felt that the City needs to have entertainment venues. He also felt that the current owners of the on- saleliquor establishments have all done good jobs in operating their businesses. Duray also pointed out the redevelopment that is occurring in the Rice Street/L,ittle Canada Road area. He indicated that he has plans to upgrade his building, but without the extended closing time, he questions the financial viability of his business. Duray also felt it will be difficult to attract a major restaurant in the City's new redevelopment area without the 2 a.m. closing time. Jack Schmidt, Edgerton Street, stated that he understood that Little Canada had the highest DWI rate of any city in the St Paul area. LaValle replied that that is not correct. Fahey asked if there was anyone present wishing to speak in opposition of amending the ordinance to allow fora 2 a.m. bar closing time. There was not. Fahey stated that he has been skeptical of the 2 a.m. closing time issue, but noted that he has not been contacted by anyone in opposition. Fahey also noted that it appears That most of the cities are extending bar hours to 2 a.m., and he can appreciate the disadvantage that this would place on Little Canada establishments if bar hours are not extended. Given there appears to be more support than opposition to the extended bar closing time, Fahey stated that he will support the change. Anderson agreed, but pointed out that when the Legislature made the change in liquor laws allowing for the 2 a.m. closing time, it was with the comment that the decision was at the local level. Anderson noted that a change such as this is just a matter of time and was a public relations