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Albert Lea opens hearing on proposed 40% liquor-license fee increase; small-business owner urges a smaller hike
Summary
The Albert Lea City Council opened a Nov. 24 public hearing on a proposed increase to on-sale liquor license fees from $2,000 to $2,800 and off-sale fees from $450 to $560; staff said the on-sale fee has not been raised in 21 years. A Bleachers Sports Bar co-owner told the council the hike would strain small businesses and urged a lower, phased approach; no vote was taken.
The Albert Lea City Council on Nov. 24 opened a public hearing on staff’s proposal to raise the city’s liquor license fees, citing inflation and increased enforcement costs as the rationale.
City Manager (staff) told councilors the on-sale liquor license — currently $2,000 and held by 17 businesses — has not increased in 21 years and that staff recommends raising it to $2,800. Off-sale licenses would rise from $450 to $560, staff said, and the city’s Best Practices training — provided without charge — helps reduce businesses’ liability insurance costs. The manager said…
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