Council approves beer‑by‑the‑drink license for Next Level Soccer Training despite resident concerns about minors and proximity

The Independence City Council approved a retail beer‑by‑the‑drink license for Next Level Soccer Training after a full public hearing and a roll‑call vote that recorded six votes in favor and one opposed.

Owner Garett Ropino told council the 18,000‑square‑foot facility will be used for technical and group soccer training and summer camps and that parents and adults of legal age would be served beer in a mezzanine seating area separated from the fields and from areas used by minors. “It’s more gonna be…a social environment for the parents where they can use after a long day of work,” Ropino said during the hearing.

The nut graf: Staff noted one existing liquor license within 1,000 feet (a Casey’s store) as required by local rules; the council heard supportive testimony from neighborhood residents and concerns from others about serving alcohol in a facility that hosts youth activities. Council approved the license 6‑1.

During the hearing a resident asked whether staff serving alcohol would be carded and how the seating area would be separated from the fields; Ropino said staff will card patrons and that the mezzanine area sits above and separate from the playing fields and has controlled access. Supporters, including a neighbor who said the city lacks youth recreation spaces, told council the facility provides needed services and helps keep program fees lower.

Council member questions focused on hours of operation, staffing and how the seating area relates to the fields and to the entrance. The council clerk recorded a 6‑1 vote approving the license; no amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes provided in the transcript.

Ending: The license will allow the business to sell beer by the drink at the facility; council discussion emphasized staff training, carding and physical separation measures to limit minors’ access to alcohol.