Council revokes Stella’s Fergus Falls liquor license after state tax notice

The Fergus Falls City Council voted Aug. 18 to revoke the on‑sale liquor license for Stella’s FF LLC after the Minnesota Department of Revenue told the city the business is delinquent on taxes dating to February. City staff told council the state had indicated it would revoke the license if the city did not act, and that revocation by the city would allow the license to be reissued as soon as the business provides written proof of compliance.

City attorney/staff introduced the matter at the public hearing, describing two possible outcomes: an immediate revocation by the city that would allow reissuance upon compliance, or leaving the matter to state action, which staff said could make the applicant ineligible for a license for five years. “There’s kind of two ways that this can play out,” a staff member said, urging council action.

No members of the public spoke during the opened hearing. Following the public‑hearing procedure required by city code, the council closed the hearing, moved the resolution and approved revocation by roll call.

The council’s action does not permanently bar the business from holding a license; staff said a reissued license can be granted once the business submits a note or documentation showing past‑due amounts were paid. The Department of Revenue prompted the action by requesting the city revoke the on‑sale liquor license because of tax delinquency.

The council took the action by formal resolution and roll call vote. The revocation will remain in effect until staff receives proof that the business has come into compliance, at which point the city can reissue the license under its normal procedures.