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Board approves wine license for Polish Nail Spa and raises questions about salon alcohol trend
Summary
Fargo’s liquor board approved a Class W wine license for Polish Nail Spa but spent substantial time discussing a growing number of salons and hair businesses seeking wine or beer licenses and whether to limit or preapprove them; staff agreed to discuss redaction and packet detail with the city attorney.
The Fargo Liquor Control Board approved a Class W (wine-only) license for Polish Nail Spa at 4265 45th Street South, then used the item to discuss a broader trend of salons pursuing wine licenses.
Angie, the staff member presenting the application, said background checks for the owner and manager were satisfactory and that a health inspection is pending. "So this is for a class w license...There are no issues with this background check for the...manager and the owner," Angie said. The board voted to approve the license by voice vote.
Several board members used the moment to raise policy questions. One member asked whether salon wine licenses were becoming common; Angie and others said there are several salons and hair businesses seeking similar permissions. "I think it would be worthwhile that we...discuss that, the free giving away of alcohol. It's not illegal, but I don't think it's always the best business practice," a board member said.
Board members also expressed concern about the amount of documentation provided with applications. The board said packets currently include a one-page summary and that detailed background materials are often redacted for open-records reasons. Angie's staff said she would consult the city attorney to determine what must be redacted and what can be provided to the board; a board member suggested staff provide business plans and floor plans when feasible.
The discussion ended with the board approving Polish Nail Spa's license and directing staff to work with the city attorney on packet content and redaction standards so members receive sufficient review material going forward.
