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saying that for a first mistake - that's severe. He suggested that no other bar has been penalized <br />to that equivalent. <br /> <br />Mr. Goodrich stated that the City has only had one other violation and that was for sale to a <br />minor. We suspended that license for one day and that was a first violation too. <br /> <br />Mr. Nash pointed out that the suspension was for a Monday. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen stated he called Attorney Goodrich to discuss the penalty and the <br />staying. He talked about all the dollars the City spent relating to the adult book store and the fact <br />that we do not find that type of conduct acceptable; however, what happened here was a private <br />party. Councilmember Hendriksen suggested one day of suspension with 29 staying to make <br />sure it's a substantial penalty but not trying to cripple a business trying to get a start in Ramsey. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson stated that she was angry with Diamonds putting themselves forth as a <br />family oriented business and then hiring strippers during business hours. She gave some <br />examples of the rules people fall under who play softball at Diamonds and stated that we want to <br />hold Diamonds to the high standards they are holding their softball teams to. She was appalled <br />and disappointed and would like to see this suspension for a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She <br />suggested they put up a sign that says "we blew it - we lost our liquor license for the weekend". <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated that Diamonds is asking us to fine them as opposed to <br />closing them down. In his opinion, Diamonds should be closed down. He inquired of the <br />owners of Diamonds what they plan to do to prevent this from happening again. <br /> <br />Gary Gruber stated that there's been a policy implemented on him and all of his employees that <br />this will not happen again. We do want a place with family values, etc. He added that he is the <br />one who did something wrong. He has apologized to his customers. He can apologize to the City <br />too - but he cannot change what happened. He stated he is sorry but he has to look at what will <br />keep his employees and their jobs, This would hurt us and shut us down for good. <br /> <br />Mr. Nash stated that Diamonds has spent a lot of money on things they would not have had to <br />such as their security system. On two incidences, their cameras have picked up something that <br />was turned over to the PD which helped solved a hit and run and a theft. They made a mistake. <br />This will not happen in the future; they are willing to live with a suspended license hanging over <br />their heads. For a first time offense, you cannot put them out of business. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman suggested that Diamonds should be a profitable business - they <br />should have no problems making a go of it. <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he has received several phone calls from people. Some people feel <br />Diamonds should be closed forever. When something like this happens, the feelings escalate. <br />We do not want to tolerate this type of thing in the City. He considered this a major mistake. <br />The owners present at the "happening" makes the violation even worse. He expressed his <br />disappointment. He added he has been there for lunches and cocktails and has not seen anything <br />other than a normal well-run operation - but we cannot tolerate this type of offense. Mr. <br /> <br />City Council/Special Meeting/April 6, 1999 <br /> Page 3 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />