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City Council minutes <br />-6- January 26, 1976 <br />Mayor Johnson stated that the Council took action to increase <br />the fee for the licenses. We do not have to take immediate <br />action on the on -sale liquor license and the businessmen asked <br />for time to research the matter, and so it was tabled. Does <br />anyone want to speak for liquor on -sale establishments? <br />John G. Bell, Attorney for Anchor Inn, Donatelle's, Launching <br />Pad and Mermaid liquor establishments,spoke to the Council. He <br />stated that the position of the on -sale liquor establishments is <br />that they are adequately licensed now and the fees should not <br />be higher. In the course of their investigation they cannot <br />find anything to justify an increase. He submitted a memorandum <br />(attached) that he had prepared. They did not feel that the <br />police services were of a very great amount. In checking <br />with the number of calls, they amount to only 4% of the total <br />calls made in a 7 -month period. The proposed ordinance would <br />involve some overlapping in regulations. His clients are willing <br />to pay their fair share. As a practical matter their industry is <br />a major industry in Mounds View. The planned license fees would <br />be the highest per capita in the area with the exception of <br />New Brighton and Arden Hills. The proposed fees would put the <br />liquor establishments at a disadvantage compared to surrounding <br />areas. The Council has an obligation to their citizens to see <br />that they are not put at a competitive disadvantage. His <br />clients would support any projects that would help the city with <br />its financial crunch and they want to work with the Council in <br />every way possible to maintain a good city, etc. However, some <br />other areas that the Council should consider is higher demands <br />for police service in the shopping center, for example. Also <br />an increase to the apartment areas. They do not feel that the <br />on -sale liquor should bear the brunt of the financial crunch. <br />He further stated that he would like his written argument <br />included in the minutes (attached). He asked if the Bel Rae <br />was the only place pertinent in the dance hall ordinance? The <br />Administrator replied that that was correct. <br />Mayor Johnson had comments: We have been informed that the <br />toughest police services are primarily calls that are made at <br />the liquor establishments in terms of actual physical damages to <br />policemen and people. Would you care to comment on this? <br />Mr. Bell: In checking on the numbers and frequency, low percentage. <br />Further, there is more chance of injury to a policeman at a <br />domestic. This is not a fair estimate as there are tough calls <br />anywhere. <br />Mayor Johnson: Do you deny that allegation then? <br />Mr. Bell: I stand on the comments I made. Conclusions sometimes <br />cannot be supported because the facts are not adequately presented. <br />Could be tough calls anywhere. <br />