Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Liquor License Suspension topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Business owner asks Kettle River council to suspend KR Bar liquor license amid partnership dispute
Summary
Cory Eken asked the Kettle River City Council to temporarily suspend the KR Bar & Grill liquor license, citing partnership disputes, an order for protection affecting a partner and alleged rehiring and cash payments to employees; council agreed to seek the city attorney's opinion.
Cory Eken, a local business owner, urged the Kettle River City Council on June 9 to temporarily suspend the liquor license for KR Bar & Grill, which operates under the trade name Cocktail Drafts & Eats. Eken told the council disputes within the business and an Order for Protection that prevents a partner named Al from being at the bar have created potential legal exposure and led his attorney to recommend a short suspension while the issues are resolved.
Eken said the business shares insurance and tax identifications with the attached restaurant and told council members there have been instances of employees who were fired and later brought back and paid in cash. He told the council he is seeking legal representation and asked the city to consider a short suspension of the liquor license to reduce risk while the partners address the dispute.
Mayor Dave Lucas responded that the City of Kettle River generally does not intervene in personal disputes between business partners and that the city would seek the opinion of the city attorney before taking any action. Council members agreed to request legal guidance before deciding whether the city can or should act on the request.
The council took no immediate administrative action to suspend the license at the meeting; members directed staff to obtain the city attorney's advice and revisit the matter if necessary.
