Minutes - Council - 03/13/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Presentation City Administrator Norman explained that Mark D. Callender and Teresa D. Callender, d/b/a/ Vintage Wine & Spirits, have properly applied for an off-sale intoxicating liquor license at 14050 St. Francis Boulevard NW, Suite B, Ramsey. It was noted that Police Chief Gustafson has completed the background investigation. Citizen Input John Nieswaag, 5900 - 167th Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated his concern with another liquor license going into Ramsey. He noted there are five open licenses already which he believes to be too many considering the population. He requested a restriction on the number of liquor licenses to be issued and review of the location. In this case, it is fight across from Rum River Wine and Spirits, and he is concerned with the business people it will affect and impact. Mr. Nieswaag stated he is also concerned about the biggest impact, which will be to the community when liquor stores are clustered in location. Mayor Gamec entered into the record the letter dated March 6, 2000 received from Diane Low, Rum River Wine and Spirits. Diane Low, owner of Rum River Wine and Spirits, apologized that the study she submitted was so difficult to read and asked the Council if they had any questions. Mayor Gamec stated it appears some cities have a required distance between liquor stores and some have set limits on the number of licenses that are issued. Ms. Low stated that Coon Rapids requires three miles of distance between liquor stores. She commented on the State of Minnesota rules and regulations which liquor establishments must follow. She explained that if liquor establishments are clustered, they start selling to anyone in order to survive. Ms. Low commented on a liquor store where that situation occurred and suggested that it results in increased drinking and driving and crimes. She stated she has people in her liquor store, at least once a week, who have been drinking and she is required to turn them away, which she does. However, to survive, she is concerned that some will break the rules. Ms. Low asked the Council to table granting this license for two weeks in order to research applicable zoning ordinances and put them into place in the City of Ramsey. City Administrator Norman entered into the record a letter from Bob Muller. He noted that the two speakers at the podium and the writer of this letter are owners of competitive businesses. City Attorney Goodrich read the section of Code addressing the number of licenses that can be issued, which is set by the City Council. Thus a license cannot be denied based on the number of licenses. He advised of changes previously made to the Code and that the number of licenses was eliminated. In addition, the Ordinance has a comprehensive listing of locations that are not eligible for licenses. City Attorney Goodrich read that listing and advised that if the licensee City Council/March 13, 2001 Page 7 of 31