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South St. Paul council approves on‑sale Sunday liquor license and optional 2 a.m. permit for Concord Exchange tenant
Summary
On Sept. 2 the South St. Paul City Council voted 7-0 to approve an on‑sale Sunday intoxicating liquor license with an optional 2 a.m. permit for a new business at 514 Concord Exchange; applicants said state approval and inspections remain outstanding.
The South St. Paul City Council on Sept. 2 approved an on‑sale Sunday intoxicating liquor license and an optional 2 a.m. permit for a new tenant at 514 Concord Exchange, the council announced during its regular meeting.
City staff described the item as a public hearing and recommended approval. "They do intend to have a 2 a.m. license, but their plan for their business model is that they don't intend to serve alcohol till 2 a.m.," City Clerk Deanna Werner told the council. "They just want to be able to stay open so that they can sell tacos and other food ... until 2 a.m."
The motion to approve was made by Council Member Hansen and seconded by Council Member Thompson. The council voted 7-0 in favor on a roll call that included Council Members Seberg, Podgorski, Thompson, Kaliszewski, Bakken, Hanson, and Mayor Francis.
Why it matters: the optional 2 a.m. permit allows the business to remain open later for food service even if the owners do not regularly sell alcohol that late. Werner told the council that state approval is still required after the city action; if the state permit is not issued before the business opens, the owners will not be allowed to sell liquor until they receive state authorization.
Applicants told the council they will be a tenant in the Asian Mart building at the Concord Exchange location and are aiming to open in September or October depending on inspections and state approvals. When asked about hours, the applicants said weekdays (Monday–Thursday) would be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; they said Friday and Saturday would open at 7 a.m. for breakfast and could remain open until 2 a.m., and Sundays would have earlier closing. The applicants cautioned that those hours are subject to change and inspections; the council record did not include a business name.
The council closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke and approved the license application on a unanimous vote. City staff will proceed with the next steps required by state licensing authorities.
The council record shows the motion passed by roll call. Residents seeking confirmation of the business name, final hours or an opening date were advised to check city licensing records or contact the city clerk's office.
