Minutes - Council - 10/24/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Hardin, Councilmembers Beyer, Beahen, Peterson and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. NEW BUSINESS Case 02: Application for On-Sale/Sunday Liquor License Barnyard Entertainment Inc. DBA Lighthouse Grill and Bar Police Chief Auspos reported that Barnyard Entertainment Inc. has applied for an on- sale/Sunday liquor license for the premises located at 6937 Highway #10 NW The trade name will be The Lighthouse Grill and Bar. The license holder is still Successful Concept Development Inc.; however, the posted trade name has been changed from Big Shots to Lighthouse Grill and Bar. He explained that he received an application for the liquor license and everything appeared to be in order with one exception. Mr. Curtis and Mr. Carlson are here. Mr. Curtis indicated he was the sole owner, however, upon investigation, it was learned that Mr. Curtis does have a partner. Chief Auspos has requested information on the partner to do a criminal check and a financial check; he has not yet received the information. Chief Auspos then reported that on the night of October 6, 1995, a vehicle operated by an alleged drunk driver catapulted the raikoad tracks and struck a parked tractor. The driver of the vehicle was 20 years old and, upon further investigation, the driver and the passenger have stated they were at The Lighthouse where they had been purchasing their own drinks. This accident is currentiy under investigation. He recommended that further action on this liquor license be tabled. Susan Martinson, 15669 Juniper Ridge Drive NW, Ramsey, gave Council a copy of the Police Report from the above-mentioned accident. She explained her reason for being at this meeting is to express objection to The Lighthouse being given a liquor license. She reported that on October 6, 1995, two people under the age of 21 were served several alcoholic drinks at The Lighthouse and upon leaving the bar, were involved in an accident. The driver and the passenger were both intoxicated. She noted that The Lighthouse has a clear record, her son, the driver, also had a clean record. The driver will be fined, he will lose his license and suffer from increased insurance rates. As of today, The Lighthouse has not been charged with any violation of the law. Businesses get f'med for selling cigarettes to under-aged people. She stated she was in the liquor business herself some time ago in Ramsey and she was very concerned about selling to underage people. She stated she does not know how this has happened in our City. She asked that word gets around of a bar that will serve underage people. She felt the bar should be penalized and asked that the City Council not issue the liquor license, suspend the present liquor license, and institute a hefty fine. She felt that the Council is obligated to its community. City Attorney Goodrich explained that the City Council has the opportunity to conduct a hearing and make a decision on what they will do as a result of the heating. State law would allow for a.license suspension and/or a fine. Chief Auspos is investigating this case and will be bringing the facts to Council. Ms. Martinson reiterated the fact that businesses get fined immediately for selling tobacco products to minors. Chief Auspos stated that the difference here is that this is an allegation until it is proven. An investigation has to be done - interviewing people in the area, interviewing people working there, working with the City Attorney, etc. The law goes against the person who did the sale, not the corporation. However, if they are found guilty, the Council could suspend the liquor license. City Council/October 24, 1995 Page 6 of 19