CR2002-077 - Mac's liquor
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May 15, 2002 Council Report 2002 - 77
APPROVE OFF SALE LIQUOR LICENSE
FOR MAC'S LIQUOR, 8554 EXCELSIOR BOULEVARD
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve an off sale liquor
license for Mac's Liquor, Incorporated, dba Mac's Liquor at 8554 Excelsior Boulevard
with the condition that a certificate of insurance showinq liquor liability is received and
that, prior to openinq, Carrie McCarville completes formal traininq in the duties and
responsibilities associated with the operation of a liquor license.
Overview
David, Sue, and Carrie McCarville have applied for an off sale liquor license to operate
an off sale store at 8554 Excelsior Boulevard, the Hopkins Commerce Center where the
former audio electronics store was located. The store will be managed by Carrie. This
. is the first step to obtaining the license.
Primary Issues to Consider
. Zoning
. Police Investigation
. Powers of the Council
. The process
Supportinq Documents
. Memo from Capt. Liddy
~~?~
Terry Obermaier, City Clerk
Financial Impact: $ Budgeted: Y/N - Source:
. Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Notes:
Council RepOlt 2002-
Page 2
. Primary Issues to Consider
. Zoning
The space being considered is in a B-3 zoning district. Off sale liquor stores are
allowed in that district. There is limited parking in front of the building, but there is
adequate parking in the adjacent lot. The proposed space has always been retail.
. Police Investigation
The Hopkins Police Department has investigated all the prindpals and has found
nothing in the criminal history records that would prevent them from obtaining a liquor
license.
. Powers of the Council
Where new liquor licenses are concerned, according to the City Attorney, the Council is
vested with broad discretionary powers in acting upon the request. There should be
good reason for denial. Council may deny the application for reasons such as location
and "fit" of the businesses with surrounding properties or areas
. The Council also has the power to set the number of off sale liquor licenses that may be
issued.
. The process
If the Council approves the license, the State application will be sent to Liquor Control.
Because it is a new location, Liquor Control is required to inspect the property before
the license is issued. The license is issued by the State.
Alternatives
1. Approve the license application
2. Continue for more information/further discussion
3. Deny the license application
Staff is recommending alternative one.
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. POLICE DEPARTMENT
Memorandum
To: Terry Obem1aier
From: Capt. Jim Liddy
CC:
Date: 05/15/2002
Re: Liquor License Application - MAC's Liquor
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The background investigation on this application has been completed.
There is nott1ing in the criminal history records that would prevent any of the plincipals from obtaining a
liquor license however that are a couple of factors I have concerns about and I have discussed these
with one of the applicants. These factors are:
e Location: the business is located on Excelsior Blvd whict) will be undergoing 8 major
. reconstluction in the not too distant future. The resulting disruption of traffic could have a
serious impact on customer traffic being able to easily access and patronize the store.
. Customer parking: customer rarking, immediately adjacent to the business, appears to be
very limited. There are only 2 parking spaces immediately in front of the store and these are
parallel parking spaces not well suited to this type of customer traffic. There is other parking
available but it is either adjacent to the neighboring businesses or in a large parking lot some
distance from the proposed liquor store. Lack of close, easily accessible parking may 1)8Ve a
negative impact on customer willingness to patronize the store.
.. Employee wages: H)e rrojected wages of $8.00 per hour with no apparent benefits seems
unrealistically low, especialJy considering the plimary employee is also one the principals of the
business. If a higher wage needs to be paid, the result would be a reduction of the projected
income from the operation of the I)USm8SS.
Additional recommendation: Tt1e Police Depaliment recommends that, prior to !tIe opening of the
business, the principals, especially the primary emr'nyep, CafTie McCarville. undergo formal training in
the (Julies and responsibilities associated with ttle operation of a licensed liquor store. This training
could be arranged through the State of Minnesota Liquor Control Board, the applicants' Insurance
carrier or the Hopkins Police Dprartment.
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