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• WS — Item #5 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item #5 Date: February 1, 2010 To: City Council From: Julie Bartell Re: Chomonix Golf Course — Liquor License Background Chomonix golf course is located in the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve and is owned and operated by Anoka County. The golf course has long held a 3.2 on -sale beer license issued through the city. This license allows the sale of 3.2 beverages in the club house and from a beverage cart traveling throughout the course. Anoka County Golf Course and Aquatics Manager Cory Hinz contacted the city last year inquiring about the possibility of upgrading the course's license to allow them to serve strong beer in order that they remain competitive in the golf course business. Upon review of state and local liquor license regulations, staff found that the golf course would not qualify for the state issued wine license that is required to allow the sale of strong beer. The County then inquired about the possibility of obtaining an on -sale intoxicating liquor license (allowing the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages). After some research and an inspection of the premises by the state liquor inspector, staff has been informed by the state that the Chomonix facility qualifies as a restaurant under the state's guidelines thereby qualifying them to apply for an on -sale intoxicating liquor license. The research process also revealed some conflicting language in the City Code in regard to liquor regulations and zoning. The current liquor code includes a requirement for a conditional use permit for outdoor serving areas. Since the zoning code doesn't address this requirement, the city attorney has advised that the council consider removing the condition from the liquor code and that the zoning code be updated to address a golf course /restaurant use. 1