Council approves multiple retail liquor-license transfers and bookkeeping corrections

The Watertown City Council approved a package of license transfers and location adjustments at its Aug. 4 meeting, clearing transfers tied to the restaurant Santo Tequila and several Midtown and Dottie's properties. City manager Alan Stager said the transfers to Team Santo Watertown LLC correct a paperwork discrepancy discovered after the council's July 7 approval and align state filings and local sales-tax entities. The council approved the transfer of retail liquor and video lottery licenses from WR Capital LLC (Minerva's) to Team Santo Watertown LLC with a voice vote; the mayor noted one abstention was recorded in the minutes. A set of related transfers and location consolidations involving Midtown suites and Dottie's LLC were also approved. CFO Bob Zine told the council fees had been paid and public notices published; the transfers were described by staff as administrative and in order. Councilman Hoyer announced he would abstain on alcohol-related votes "on a through e" during the item; council minutes record the transfers carrying with the abstention noted. No public testimony was offered during the hearings on these items. Staff indicated one transfer was intended to consolidate multiple licenses into a single footprint, with the replaced license becoming inactive and held for a period of time.