Kodiak Assembly protests continued operation of two restaurant licenses, asks state board to revoke them

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly voted unanimously Dec. 19 to protest the continued operation of two restaurant and eating‑place licenses and asked the Alaska Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO) and the ABC board to revoke them.

The action stems from an informal hearing under 3 AAC 305.085(d), which gives a governing body an opportunity to raise objections before the state board. Deputy Clerk Lena Cruz told the assembly staff had provided draft protest letters and that AMCO required the borough’s objection in time for the state board packet. The motion directed the clerk to transmit a protest and a request for revocation to AMCO and the ABC board.

The protest followed public comments from area residents and from an applicant identified in the meeting transcript as “Stephanie,” who said she and partners had faced delays locating or building a new premise after being notified of a state protest in early December. Stephanie told the assembly she had explored options — including leasing an existing space and pursuing a new build — but said she could not offer a definitive timetable. Resident Leanna Harrington urged the borough to ensure unused licenses are put to use and said she was concerned about apparent inconsistencies in filings and the fairness of holding licenses out of local circulation.

Assembly members said they were sympathetic to the local challenges but noted the borough lacks evidence that either license is being operated at an approved premise on a continuing basis. Assemblymember Ryan (first name recorded in transcript) framed the decision as an economic one: unused licenses reduce opportunity in a market where interested operators are ready now. After discussion, the assembly approved the protest motion by roll call, 6–0.

Deputy Clerk Lena Cruz told the assembly that to ensure the protest will be considered at the February ABC board meeting, the borough’s protest letter must be submitted by Jan. 15. Cruz also said AMCO is processing a pending transfer application but staff could not provide additional details about its status because AMCO is behind on application processing.

What the vote means: The borough’s protest is an objection filed with state licensing authorities; it does not itself revoke a license. The AMCO/ABC board will consider the borough’s comments along with the licensee’s responses and any transfer paperwork, and the state board will decide whether to revoke, suspend or take other action.

The assembly’s motion and the clerk’s draft letters cite state rule 3 AAC 305.085(d) and the borough’s interest in local economic opportunity. The motion passed 6–0 and the clerk was directed to transmit the protest and revocation request to AMCO/ABC.