05-26-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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WS — Item #1 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 1 Date: May 26, 2015 To: City Council From: Julie Bartell, City Clerk Re: Liquor Licenses — Restriction of one license per individual Introduction At the work session on May 4, the council discussed Section 701.06 of the City Code that states that "no more than one intoxicating liquor license shall be directly or indirectly issued within the city to any one person." The subject matter arose because an individual who currently holds an off -sale license in the city is opening a restaurant (also in the city) for which he would like to secure a beer and wine license. The council discussed how this code language impacts businesses, and particularly restaurants, in the city and concurred that they would like to review the restriction. Staff was directed to report back with more information on this subject for council review. The council also requested that current liquor license holders in the city be invited to give input on a possible change that would allow more than one license per individual. Background History of Lino Lakes' restriction — It appears that the limitation of one license was included when the code was printed in 1983. Staff has not been able to locate any specific action that added the restriction in Section 701.06 to the City Code. Is it common for cities to restrict liquor licenses to one per individual - The attached map indicates cities in the metro area that restrict licenses per individual. Option to amend the City Code — For discussion purposes, staff is presenting one option to amend the City Code. The amendment removes the limit on the number of licenses per individual but requires that additional licenses can be issued to restaurants only. Note that Minnesota Statutes limit off -sale licenses to one per individual/per city. Public Safety Department Review — This amendment was submitted to the Police Department for their review and they have no concerns at this time.