Council asks staff to study liquor license for senior center use

East Bethel councilmembers on May 28 directed city staff to investigate what changes would be required to allow alcohol service at the publicly owned senior center and to return with a cost estimate and recommended ordinance amendments.

Staff told the council that current city code for parks and publicly owned facilities prohibits alcohol consumption without a special permit and that approving regular alcohol service at the senior center would require significant code revisions. The staff packet referenced League of Minnesota Cities guidance and noted two implementation paths: continue to require a special-use permit for individual events, or create a tailored licensing approach for ongoing use at the senior center.

Staff estimated that drafting ordinance changes, researching best practices, and coordinating attorney review could cost a minimum of $10,000. Council discussion highlighted liability concerns — training and insurance (including dram-shop exposure) — and suggested an interim approach of partnering with a licensed vendor such as Route 65, which could provide licensing, insurance coverage, and catering services while the city considers a longer-term policy change. One councilmember noted that insurance and training requirements to avoid over-service are substantial and that any policy would need clear controls to prevent unauthorized consumption outside permitted events.

Council members asked staff to return with a specific list of steps, a price tag for attorney and staff time, and a recommended public-engagement schedule before any ordinance changes. Several councilmembers said they support beginning the preliminary work and information-gathering; staff said it would prepare the next steps and a timeline to bring the matter back for formal action.