11-22-2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL OCTOBER 22, 2003 move on the part of the Legislator e. Anderson stated that his concern was with public safety in Little Canada, and noted that even if Little Canada does not extend bar hours to 2 a.m., public safety is still impacted as bar traffic will be moving in and out of the City. The public safety issue in the end balances out and becomes moot as surrounding cities extend hours to 2 a.m. Anderson indicated that is final concern is related to noise, and noted that none of the neighbors have expressed concern about noise issues. Duray again stated that he will continue to work with the mobilehome park to mitigate any concerns that might arise. Fahey commented that he believes both Iioggsbreath and Gordies' have done good jobs in working with their neighbors. Blesener indicated that he is neither for nor against the 2 a.m. bar closing, and would support the extension of bar house because of the competitive issues. He felt the issue was similar to the issue of Sunday liquor sales of several years ago -eventually all cities will adopt it. Montour agreed that the issue was not the one-hour bar extension, but rather the business between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Patrons will look for a bar that is open until 2 a.m. Montour asked if the City will have the ability to revoke a 2 a.m. license if there are problems with a liquor establishment. Fahey indicated that the 2 a.m. license will be a separate license and the City will have the ability to revoke it if it becomes a problem. The City Attorney agreed. Fahey noted staffs recommendation that the City's 2 a.m. license fee be calculated at half of the State's 2 am. license fee. Montour suggested a flat 2 a.m. license fee of $Z00. LaValle felt the sliding fee was more equitable to the bar owners as it is based on percentage of sales. The Council discussed staff's recommendation for an increase in the on- sale liquor license fee from $3,250 to $3,500 and an increase in the on-sale wine license fee from $300 to $500. It was noted that the last increase in these fees occurred two years ago. Duray stated that Hoggsbreath would find the on-sale liquor license increase acceptable. Tony Chezik, MN Beverage Association, noted that the State's fee on the 2 a.m. license sunsets in two years. Fahey pointed out that the City's liquor license fee for the 2 a.m. closing will be permanent; but given that the State's fee will sunset, the impact to liquor establishments will be less.