Fargo liquor control panel approves multiple licenses, debates rules for salon alcohol service

The Fargo Liquor Control panel approved several liquor licenses and location transfers on Wednesday and spent notable time weighing whether the city needs clearer rules for “non-traditional” licensees such as nail salons and barber shops.

At the start of the agenda the panel approved the minutes of the Feb. 18, 2026 meeting and then moved through liquor applications. Angie Bear told the panel that Sunrose Nails and Despa Inc., at 4101 13th Avenue South, is seeking a class W license that permits wine only; background checks raised no concerns. "They all have to go through the server training," Bear said, adding the businesses must pass fire and other inspections before opening.

One commissioner who identified no name on the record said he was concerned about a growing trend of salons and barber shops serving alcohol without clear local rules. "I don't think the city has a clear path for these type of licenses… Let's call them non-traditional licenses. And there needs to be some rules," the commissioner said, noting that many salons in Fargo have for years served alcohol for free and that some municipalities require licenses in that situation so police and city staff know where beverage alcohol is being served.

Bear and others replied that staff requires server training, inspections and compliance checks for licensed establishments and that unlicensed giveaways can pose liability and enforcement issues. After discussion the panel approved the class W license for Sunrose Nails by voice vote.

The panel also approved a GH beer-and-wine license for Moonrise Cafe LLC at 111 Broadway North; Bear said the cafe must maintain food sales above 50% of total sales to qualify for that license and that background checks revealed no issues.

Two linked location transfers drew more detailed discussion. Staff explained Seller 624 is moving within 624 Main Avenue so that an adjacent business, Teddy's, can relocate into a larger suite with a full kitchen. Ramon Sosa, who identified himself as owner of Seller 624, described the layout and said the suites have separate entrances and distinct uses: Seller 624 will host private wine-tasting and event space while Teddy's will operate as a restaurant and bar. "It is the main floor where we have Seller 624… we held meetings and private events," Sosa said.

Susan, speaking for Teddy's, said staff has submitted floor plans and asked the panel to consider the sellers’ timing: Teddy's license was extended only until March 31, 2026 and the business is trying to avoid losing employees or interrupting operations while transfers are processed. Commissioners asked staff for a combined floor plan to clarify the relationship of the suites, and staff said the transfers would proceed to city commission with the final police chief sign-off completed beforehand.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (Feb. 18, 2026): approved by voice vote. - Sunrose Nails & Despa Inc., class W (wine only) license, 4101 13th Ave S: approved by voice vote; staff reported background checks clear. - Moonrise Cafe LLC, GH (beer & wine) license, 111 Broadway N: approved by voice vote; staff said food sales must exceed 50% of liquor sales. - Seller 624 location transfer (suite 4 → suite 5), 624 Main Ave: approved to proceed to city commission contingent on final police chief approval. - Dakota Food Group LLC (Teddy's) location transfer (212 Broadway → 624 Main Ave suite 4), class FA RZ: approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the approvals set precedents for small, downtown businesses and flagged gaps in how the city documents and inspects unconventional retail locations that offer complimentary alcohol. Staff said training, inspections and e-permit rules apply and that they will provide clearer floor plans at city commission so the public can comment.

The panel closed the agenda item and moved on to the police report before adjourning at about 2:00 p.m.