Laserfiche WebLink
PUBLIC HEARING TO INCREASE ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE FEES <br /> By: James Way, Chief of Police <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br /> The fees charged for on-sale liquor licenses have not increased since 1982. In a comparison <br />of cities with a population of 10,000 to 20,000, the fees range from $200.00 per year to $10,000.00 <br />per year for on-sale liquor licenses. The average on-sale license for these comparison cities is <br />$4,753.00 per year. The City of Ramsey is currently well below the average for comparison cities. <br /> <br /> All license applications are referred to the Chief of Police and to other City departments for <br />verification and investigation of the facts of the application. A fee may be charged for investigations, <br />up to $500.00 per year, per Minnesota State Statute. The City of Ramsey conducts alcohol <br />compliance checks on all licensees as defined in Minnesota State Statute. Numerous costs are <br />incurred while conducting these checks, including but not limited to, personnel wages (includes <br />officers and compliance checkers, clerical staff) attorney fees, and equipment. Officers are often <br />times needed to testify in court on these matters at an overtime rate. For these reasons outlined <br />above, staff is proposing to increase the license fee for on-sale liquor establishments from $4000 to <br />$4500 to more accurately reflect the costs incurred by the City in issuing and enforcing the license. <br /> <br />Staff Recommendation: <br /> <br /> Conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed increase of fees and consider Resolution 03- <br />03- to increase the on-sale liquor license fee. <br /> <br />Council Action: <br /> <br />Hold public hearing and adopt Resolution 03-03- <br /> <br />__ to increase on-sale liquor license fees. <br /> <br />Reviewed By: <br /> <br />Police Chief <br />Assistant City Administrator <br /> <br />-55- <br /> <br /> <br />