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Council discusses proposed changes to liquor and business license code, raises oversight concerns
Summary
Staff previewed amendments to Title 3 that would replace references to the city recorder with a business license official and remove much council involvement in licensing and revocation processes; council members asked staff to study reapplication loopholes and whether the council—s oversight is being unduly limited.
City staff presented proposed amendments to Title 3 of the municipal code covering liquor control and the beer-license approval process, including a change replacing references to the city recorder with a business license official.
Lisa (staff) told the council the changes varied in significance: some were minor editorial updates while others removed council involvement from licensing decisions and revocations because state law largely regulates the subject. "So everything that's, that is, has a line through it is being removed," Lisa said, explaining that many cross-outs reflected matters preempted by state statute.
Council members expressed concern about limiting the council—s role in license revocations. One council member said, "I never take it lightly when a council loses their ability to approve or disapprove," and asked whether the city could preserve a role in high-profile revocations. Staff acknowledged the concern and said she would investigate options, look into state guidance on reapplication after revocation, and return with recommendations at the next meeting.
Council agreed to continue discussion and to place the item on a future agenda for more deliberation; staff flagged that the police department and legal counsel had been consulted during the code review and that additional cross-references to police responsibilities may need adjustment.
