Assembly holds informal AMCO hearing; local restaurateur defends application and assembly maintains protest

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly held an informal local hearing March 6 under 3 AAC 305.085(d) to give the applicant a chance to respond after the assembly registered a voice‑protest on a March 20 agenda item concerning a liquor‑license transfer and location change.

The applicant, who identified herself as a co‑owner of the business seeking the license transfer and relocation, said she had taken corrective steps since the earlier application review, secured a new building permit and planned exterior work in spring, including an accessible deck. She thanked borough and city staff for guidance on permits and accessibility questions and offered to answer any assembly questions.

Assemblymembers discussed their concerns about the prior license-holder’s record and the regulatory process. Several members said the root problem was a state license that they believe should have been revoked earlier; they said public calls about the matter had been numerous. Assemblymember Sherritt said he did not support withdrawing the assembly’s protest. Other members expressed sympathy for new local entrepreneurs and urged government staff to examine barriers that make starting and operating local businesses difficult.

The assembly took no motion to withdraw the protest; the clerk reminded members that, under 3 AAC 305.085(d), the assembly’s earlier decision to protest will stand unless a majority votes to withdraw. No majority moved to rescind the protest during the informal hearing, so the protest remains in place for the state liquor‑license review process.