08-24-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

License for their restaurant at 2900 Rice Street, they could obtain a Caterer's Permit and the combination of these two licenses would allow for off -site catering that included the sale of intoxicating liquor. This off -site catering is not restricted to within the boundaries of Little Canada, but can occur in any location within the State of Minnesota. With regard to the concept of creating a special classification of on -sale liquor license in order to accommodate the desire of The Little Venetian to only sell wine and beer at their restaurant while allowing the sale of intoxicating liquor as part of catered events, please note paragraph (b) under the Caterer's Permit. This section states that any restrictions the City places on the on -sale license would also apply to the use of that license in conjunction with the Caterer's Permit. In discussing this issue with Mr. Erickson, he questioned the ability of City to place restrictions for on -sale liquor sales at one location that would not apply to catered locations. He noted that no other city has done anything of this nature, and recommended that the City Attorney comment on this issue. I have discussed the issue of a restricted On -Sale License with the City Attorney, and he finds no authority under Statute to do so. The City would have the option of seeking special legislation to do so. In further discussing options with the City Attorney and the City Administrator, it was noted that some cities have created various classes of On -Sale Liquor Licenses either directly in their codes or as a part of their license fee schedules. These classes are typically based on square footage. I have attached a schedule showing what some other cities have done. If the Council wants to give consideration to this option, staff would do a study of current liquor license fees and bring back a recommendation for review. Another option for consideration would be to reduce on -sale liquor license fees given that the issue for The Little Venetian appears to be the City's On -Sale Liquor License fee of $3,500. Please note, however, that the City has not increased this fee since 2003 with the indication that the fee should be looked at every two years. Based on this and the preliminary sample of fees attached, it appears to be time to consider an increase in the City's liquor license fees. From at quick review of the fees attached, it also appears that Little Canada's On -Sale Liquor License fee of $3,500 is low. Please note that a public hearing is required to increase liquor license fees. Therefore, if Council wishes to consider an increase, staff would recommend calling for a public hearing at this time. With regard to the issue of increased liability on the part of Little Canada relative to catered events outside the City, Mr. Erickson noted that a Caterer's Permit requires an additional insurance certificate. It was his feeling that the City of Little Canada could be named as an additional insured on that certificate.