12-22-08 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2008 Blesener asked about allowing Mr. Thao to operate through January 4`~', with the intention of revoking the license should there be even one police call to the business. The City Attorney indicated that a license is a property right, the business owner is due a public hearing if consideration is to be given to suspend or revoke a license. This is the public hearing that is being held this evening, and allows Mr. Thao to appear before the Council and explain the situation. The Attorney read the license conditions that Mr. Thao agreed to when the liquor and other licenses were issues. He again reviewed the incident listing. The City Attorney informed Mr. Thao that he has the option of relinquishing his licenses, in which case a revocation could be avoided. The City Attorney noted that Mr. Thao would have to disclose any license suspensions or revocations on any future liquor license applications. The City Attorney also noted that the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department has spent a considerable amount of time at calls and compliance checks at Bangkok Avenue. The Attorney indicated that if the Council wanted to delay action pending an additional police call, an emergency hearing could be held. The Attorney stated that he was not sure of the dates that Mr. Thao wanted to continue the business through, and asked if January 3rd was the date. Mr. Thao replied that he has a commitment on January 9a'. Blesener stated that he was not willing to allow the licenses to continue through January 9`~'. The City Administrator pointed out the license conditions that were established back in June, which Mr. Thao agreed do. Since that time there have been a number of incidents and assaults, and the Administrator indicated that these are beyond what the City typically sees at a liquor business. The Administrator felt there was a public safety concern in allowing the business to continue to operate. He felt that Mr. Thao has shown his inability to control the business, and again stated that there were serious public safety concerns at Bangkok Avenue. Keis stated that he was of the opinion that the licenses should be revoked this evening. Mr. Thao again explained the confusion with Eilene O'Hara on Sunday openings, and asked the council to allow him to operate through January 3ra He reported that his staff has brought beer to the tables in cases rather than on trays because of concern for breaking bottles. Montour pointed out to Mr. Thao that it appears the consensus of the Council is to revoke the licenses. That can be done, or Mr. Thao can 18