Neighbors ask Sherburne County to deny renewal of Boulder Creek wine bar liquor license

Five neighbors told the Sherburne County Board of Commissioners at its open forum that they oppose renewal of the liquor license for Boulder Creek Wine Bar in a residential neighborhood in Becker.

The residents said the business has repeatedly violated conditions of its conditional‑use permit and operated without a required license for two years. “The majority of the neighbors do not support having a bar in our residential area,” said Tim Sakai, who gave his address for the record. He told the board the bar has “knowingly violated numerous conditions of its conditional use permit.”

Neighbors described traffic, parking and safety problems on the dead‑end First Street where children ride bikes and people walk with strollers. “I feel that it’s put it puts our safety in danger,” said Yelena Roscoe, who said she lives on First Street. Peter Koop, who also identified himself as a long‑time neighbor, said the change in traffic patterns has made him unwilling to let grandchildren play in the yard.

Several speakers noted what they said were enforcement and licensing failures. Sakai said a prior meeting included a “misstatement” about the CUP and that, “according to the state statute, the county board shall consider testimony and exhibits presented,” and may base licensing decisions on the nature and impact of the business. Shailene Sacri asked the board to “prioritize safety over revenue” and to deny the renewal. Adena Coop asked the board, “What exactly has to happen for this liquor license to be denied for our residential street? Are you just waiting for someone to get hurt before admitting that this is not the right place for a bar?”

The speakers delivered their remarks during the public comment period; there was no licensing vote recorded during this meeting. Staff and commissioners acknowledged the comments and moved on to the consent agenda. The record shows the neighborhood delivered unified opposition and asked the county to take existing CUP conditions, alleged violations and public‑safety concerns into account when the licensing matter is considered by appropriate staff or a future board agenda.

The board did not take a formal action on the license during this meeting. Residents requested that enforcement letters and any civil actions be reported back to the neighborhood; Tim Sakai said he was “awaiting an update regarding a second letter of violation or civil action.”