Becker City Commission reviews Boulder Creek wine bar liquor license application amid resident concerns

In the heart of Becker, Minnesota, the Sherburne County Board convened on May 6, 2025, to address a contentious issue that has stirred the emotions of local residents. The meeting, held in the familiar setting of the county's city hall, became a platform for community voices to express their concerns over a proposed liquor license for Boulder Creek Wine Bar.

Elena Roscoe, a long-time resident of the area, stood before the board, her voice steady yet filled with urgency. “Granting this request wouldn't just affect one family,” she implored, highlighting the potential impact on the dreams of lifelong residents, including her own grandparents. Roscoe painted a vivid picture of the neighborhood, a place built on sacrifice and hard work, where families have thrived in peace for decades. “A bar is not essential in a residential neighborhood,” she asserted, urging the board to consider the safety and tranquility of their community.

Roscoe's testimony was not an isolated sentiment. Many residents echoed her concerns about increased traffic and safety risks for children in the area. With no sidewalks or walkways, children often walk to shared bus stops, navigating streets that could soon see more vehicles if the liquor license is approved. “We are asking the commission to consider this for the safety of our neighbors and our children,” Roscoe emphasized, as she detailed the challenges posed by potholes and the potential for further road damage with increased traffic.

The board listened intently as Roscoe and others shared their fears about the changing dynamics of their neighborhood. The public hearing concluded with a motion to close the discussion, paving the way for the board to deliberate on the Boulder Creek Wine Bar's seasonal liquor license, which would allow for both on-sale and off-sale liquor sales from May 22 to August 18, 2025.

Lorraine Rupp, representing the wine bar, clarified that the license would enable the establishment to operate within the confines of its existing conditional use permit, which limits the sale to wine produced on-site. The board engaged in a thoughtful discussion about the implications of the liquor license, weighing the community's concerns against the business's right to operate.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the decision at hand was not merely about a liquor license; it was about the future of a community that values its peace and safety. The board's deliberation will ultimately determine whether the dreams of residents like Roscoe will continue to flourish in the quiet streets of Becker or be overshadowed by the clamor of a new business venture. The outcome remains to be seen, but the voices of the community have undoubtedly made an impact on the decision-making process.