Roseville council approves 2026 liquor-license renewals; Red Lobster case set for separate review

The Roseville City Council voted unanimously Nov. 24 to approve the list of liquor-license renewals for 2026 presented by Assistant City Manager Rebecca Olsen, while pausing action on one establishment that has a record of compliance failures.

Olsen told the council staff recommended approval of the submitted renewal applications pending any outstanding materials and payments. The packet included information on establishments with liquor-compliance failures over the past five years, which the council may consider when acting on renewals.

Red Lobster was not included in the renewals considered tonight. The city attorney reviewed the procedural requirements under Minnesota’s liquor-licensing statute and the Administrative Procedure Act, saying that denying a renewal is tantamount to revocation and therefore requires formal notice, opportunity to request a contested hearing, presentation of evidence, cross-examination and written council findings. She said the city could alternatively refer the matter to a hearing officer who would present a report to the council.

Council members discussed the applicable penalties in city regulations (three violations in a rolling 36-month period carry fines and a 15-day suspension; a fourth within that window may trigger revocation) and concluded they would not take immediate nonrenewal action tonight. The renewals on the published list were approved unanimously.

Next steps: Staff will follow the outlined procedures if the council directs nonrenewal; the Red Lobster matter will return to council at a later meeting with required notices and an opportunity for the licensee to be heard.