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Mayor Rustad called for further comments from the floor.
Councilman Blanchard then commented on the defendents attorney's statement that
there were bugs to be expected in the first few months of operation. Councilman
Blanchard stated that the previous experience of at least half of the owners
should have been sufficient to realize that the problems which were there were
of a magnitude which required immediate solution.
Mr. Goldberg stated that problems were different from place to place. He stated
that he had hired some persons that weren't too good. He also said that he was
unaware of the letter sent to the Mermaid to the attention of Mr. Rozman but he
still hired four men to watch the door.
Councilman Neisen stated that the owners were here the night that the hearing
was set on March 16th.
Attorney Ketroser stated that these men were businessmen and that they would
bend over backwards to comply with the laws. He also stated that it takes
time to get oriented in a new place, and that three months is not a very long
time.
Councilman Blanchard stated that he can appreciate the investment of the owners
but why wasn't the first letter adhered to? Owners had been negligent he felt
since there were repeated violations up to the 15th. He stated that he would
favor a one week suspension.
Councilman Hodges stated that he would favor probation but not a suspension,
since it is the first time they had been before us.
Attorney Ketroser stated that he felt the suspension was a bit harsh. He stated
that the employment and the continuity of the management of the operation would
be upset. He felt that a sincere effort to observe the conduct of the establishment
was all that was needed.
Mayor Rustad stated that this should have been reflected by their actions previously.
Attorney Ketroser stated that the suspension implied that the owners were not trying.
Councilman Neisen stated that it seems that it was only after the hearing was set
that they made an effort to comply with the liquor laws. He stated that a hearing
shouldn't have to be called, that a letter should have been enough.
Mayor Rustad stated that he felt the liquor ordinances were some of the most
important ones in the Village and that under the circumstances he would go
along with Councilman Blanchard on a weeks suspension.
Councilman Hodges stated that he felt the owners could still maintain the
situation with a brief suspension.
Attorney Meyers gave a brief summary of the background of liquor in Mounds View.