North Lake Yacht Club says alcohol service at private events fits existing permit; commission takes no action

The Town of Merton Plan Commission reviewed a request from the North Lake Yacht Club to clarify that the club may serve alcoholic beverages at private events but took no formal action.

Nicole Flink, commander of the North Lake Yacht Club, told the commission the club is private and not open to the public, does not operate a cash box, does not host public parties or weddings, and holds about "6 to 8 events a year," adding that hard liquor is brought in only for special cocktails and removed after events and that beer and wine are locked up when not in use. "If the club is not having an event, it’s locked up in a cupboard or in a small beverage center," Flink said.

After hearing Flink’s description, Town Attorney Van Kleunen advised the commission that "it’s not necessary to make any further hearing or amendment to the conditional use permit," and that the applicant’s submitted materials should be added to the file and made part of the record. He said the commission should reconsider if the operation changed to include exchanges of money for alcohol or if weddings or open‑to‑the‑public events were proposed.

Chairman Klink confirmed the commission understood the club’s stated limits; Flink affirmed the description. No motion was made and no amendment was adopted at the meeting.

The club’s submission will be retained in the permit file; the commission noted it could revisit the matter if future facts indicated sales of alcohol or public events outside the parameters described by the applicant.