Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Licensing And Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves liquor license for The Rusty Spoke and questions application and background-check documentation
Summary
Council granted an on-sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor license for The Rusty Spoke (329 Main Street West) after a public hearing with no public comment. Council members raised follow-up questions about applicant involvement and urged staff to review application paperwork and background-check attestation.
The City Council held a public hearing on an application for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license and a Sunday license for The Rusty Spoke, located at 329 Main Street West. The chair closed the public hearing after no members of the public spoke and the council voted to approve the licenses.
During follow-up discussion, council members asked staff to confirm whether a person named Ricardo retained any operational or lease involvement with the business. Staff (Speaker 6) said Scott Riggs had advised the city that any stipulations could be added but that, to staff's understanding, Ricardo would not be involved in the business once it opens and that no lease or rental arrangement was in place at this time.
Later in the meeting Council Member Bruce (Speaker 4) pressed staff on the documentation the city uses when it certifies liquor licenses to the state. "I don't see an actual application document that's being used," Bruce said, noting the packet contained the city's certification form rather than the more extensive state sample application that includes owner lists, financial information and an attestation. Bruce said that absence could reduce the city's ability to take recourse if an applicant misrepresented information.
Staff replied that the city's practice follows state statute and that the city's certification form is what the state requires cities to sign and forward. Staff said the state performs license enforcement and can revoke or suspend a license if the state finds misrepresentation; the city may also pursue fines or other enforcement actions if violations occur. Staff also said the state application and the city's certification are used together during background checks and licensing.
The council did not reverse the approved license. Members directed staff to review the application and documentation process, consult the state materials and report back if the city should change its submission or add additional attestation steps.
