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Council approves Riverfront liquor‑license application fees after debate over market rates
Summary
Council members approved an ordinance establishing application and renewal fees for Riverfront District liquor licenses after debate over whether a $1,000 application fee is too low compared with resale values in other communities; staff said state rules prevent charging for the underlying license and the fee is intended to cover administrative costs.
Staff told the council that the Riverfront Development District ordinance allows the town to issue local liquor‑license approvals but that state law prevents charging for the actual license; the local fee under consideration would cover application and administrative costs associated with review and monitoring.
One council member argued $1,000 is "a giveaway" compared with resale-license prices in other markets, while staff said comparators vary by district and some jurisdictions charge $1,500 for an application. Staff confirmed the application fee would be nonrefundable and that approved applicants would still apply on the state ATC site and send the certificate back into the local process. After discussion the council approved the ordinance on a recorded 5–1 vote.
Tammy (staff) explained application proceeds would be retained if the town or redevelopment commission denied an application and that the application fee would fund the redevelopment commission’s administrative review and any local oversight work tied to the program.
