City liquor control board members tied 2-2 on whether to recommend approval of a class W (wine) license for Hara Nail Bar, 2701 Uptown Way, sending the application to the city commission for a final decision.

The vote followed a presentation from staff member Steve Sprigg, who said the salon proposed a floor plan that would separate minors from the area where alcohol would be consumed, that a police background check showed no issues, and that staff recommended approval. Sprigg said the class W designation does not require food sales and allows a physical bar though the applicant did not plan to install one.

Commissioner Bob urged a no vote, saying he opposes expanding wine licenses to personal-care businesses and raised operational concerns including compliance checks, sanitation of glassware and whether employees would be permitted to consume alcohol on-site. “I don’t think this is Mexico,” Bob said, arguing the practice would undercut revenue for bars and restaurants and could be used as a promotion by other small businesses.

Another commissioner said the board has approved similar requests in the past and that precedent weighed in favor of recommending approval. After the board split 2-2, the chair noted the tie and staff replied the item will be forwarded to the city commission with the board’s split recommendation.

No formal conditions or amendments were adopted by the liquor control board at this meeting; the final authority to grant or deny the license rests with the city commission.

The record shows a police recommendation of approval and a staff description of the proposed interior plan and separation of minors; additional regulatory or health-department requirements were discussed as concerns but not resolved at this meeting.