03-08-06 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 8, 2006 PROPOSED LICENSE FEE INCREASE fees being charged by surrounding cities, which serves as the basis for staff's recommendation as well as the history of these fees over the past ten years. Tom Duray, owner of the Hoggsbreath, reported that he was present this evening representing the owners of Brady's, Gordies, Saxon, and Porterhouse. He noted that all are opposed to the proposed On-Sale Liquor License fee increase for a number of reasons. Duray pointed out that the liquor establishments in Little Canada are family-owned and not corporate franchises. This makes fee increases more difficult to absorb. Duray noted that the liquor business is highly competitive, and he has not raised food or beverage prices at the Hoggsbreath for the past two years. Duray indicated that the liquor business is eroding since people are not going out as often as well as due to the .08 legislation. Duray also noted the State's substantial increase in the 2 a.m. liquor license fee and the County's $250 exemption fee to allow smoking within his establishment. Duray asked that the Council take all these issues into account in considering a potential liquor license fee increase. Duray reported that he very much supported server training, and brought along the person who does this training at Hoggsbreath to answer any questions that the Council might have. Joe Vitale, Little Venetian, stated that he opposed the increase in the On- Sale Liquor License fee noting that the reason The Little Venetian has this license is Yo support its catering business. Vitale pointed out that it takes two to three years to get a catering business going, and an increase in the license fee, at this point, would be a hardship. Vitale agreed with the comment made by Duray thaC the liquor businesses in Little Canada a~~e family-owned, not large franchises which can more easily absorb higher license fees. Vitale questioned the need to increase license fees each year, as well as questioned the cosC to Che Ciry for police calls generated by the liquor businesses. Vitale pointed out that he cannot charge any more for his product in order to pass on a liquor license fee increase. Jan McMillan, Corner Coffee House, indicated that they just recently added the sale of wine in an effort to enhance the business. McMillan stated that she was opposed to the increase in the On-Sale Wine License fee, and indicated that the business could not afford this increase. McMillan pointed out that businesses in Little Canada are mostly destination businesses and there are not large malls or other development that brings people into the City. Therefore, it is more difficult for Little Canada businesses to survive than those in larger cities that have other attractions. McMillan stated that the Corner Coffee House is a small business and they need the support of the Council on this issue. 2