Minutes - Council - 04/13/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #3: Public Hearing: Consider Adoption of Ordinance Regulation the Possession, 229 Sale and Consumption of Intoxicating and 3.2 Percent Malt Liquor Mayor Gamcc closed the regular portion of the City Council meeting at 7:35 p.m. in order to conduct a public hearing. Public Hearing Mayor Gamec called the public hearing to order at 7:35 p.m. Presentation Police Chief Way explained at the March 23, 2004 meeting, City Council and staff reviewed the proposed ordinance amending sections 7.51, 52 and 53 of the Ramsey City Code. It was proposed that these sections be combined into one ordinance, which will make it easier to read and understand. Staff also included the directions given at the Council's March 1, 2004 work session, which primarily relate to the 2:00 a.m. closing option. The proposed ordinance also includes a $300/year fee for licensees who choose the 2:00 a.m. option. The City Council introduced this ordinance at their March 23, 2004 meeting. City Attorney Goodrich advised the way the ordinance is drafted, a 10 a.m. serving time would continue to be allowed on Sundays. At the last Council meeting there was concern that this should not be continued. The ordinance is drafted to continue to allow this, but alternative language has been prepared if it is determined to change the serving times on Sundays to noon.. Mayor Gamec inquired about the situation of golf courses serving liquor, and noted for some special events they may set up a tent on the parking lot. City Attorney Goodrich advised the state statute defines liquor licenses when issued to golf courses to the consumption and sale on the golf course property, excluding the parking lot. Citizen Input Mike Andcrson, Owner of Super Bowl, stated he has a few concerns, mainly to do with the scvcrity of the penalties for violating the ordinance, such as failing a compliance check for serving minors. He stated this ordinance is a lot more severe than in other cities. He has a few other businesses in other cities, and none of them are quite this severe. The last thing they ever want to do is serve a minor, and they do as much with procedures and training that they can do. I-Iowever, you can do all that training and it is still up to a bartender. Their policy is that a bartender would be terminated immediately. What is ironic is normally the penalties against the bartender are not much more than a slap on the wrist, he would be for more severe penalties on the bartender. He also proposes to move the Sunday serving time to no later than 10 a.m. Sometimes they have leagues and tournaments that bowl on Sunday mornings and alcohol is served. City Council/April 13, 2004 Page 11 of 33