Liquor License Request
CITY OF HOPKINS
Memorandum
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
From: Amy Domeier, City Clerk
Copy: Mike Mornson, City Manager
Date: March 8, 2016
Subject: Liquor License Request
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Staff has received a liquor license inquiry from an individual proposing to open a
painting studio that creates a social environment where individuals of all artistic
levels can participate in group painting classes and small craft store. The owner
is looking to offer a limited food and beverage menu as part of the experience.
The owner has reached out to staff about the process for obtaining an on-sale
wine and 3.2 percent malt liquor license. The food and beverages would be
available for purchase during the classes or hours of operation. The business
and menu concept would be similar to the Cheers Pablo establishments located in
various metro cities. (http://cheerspablo.com/)
In late 2014, Minnesota State Statute 340A.404, Subd. 5 was amended, which
removed the requirement for establishments holding a wine license to have 60%
of gross sales attributable to the sale of food. The City amended it code to
remove the food sales requirement. State Statute does require that the
establishment has to be classified as a restaurant with seating for at least 25
people. The City’s Zoning Code defines a restaurant as a place where food is
served to a customer and consumed while seated at a counter or table.
Staff is bringing the request to the City Council before the applicant moves
forward because the proposed menu is different from the other restaurants that
are established. Staff is looking for the following feedback:
1. Does the City Council support issuing liquor license to a restaurant that
serves minimal food?
If the City Council is comfortable moving forward with the request, staff will work
with the applicant on moving forward with the liquor license application process.
Even if the applicant meets the minimal requirements for a liquor license, there
may be additional issues with building out a space to accommodate such a use,
for example ADA requirements and SAC fees.