Leaders Vote No on New Liquor Licenses, Want Downtown Problems Solved First
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: October 22, 2012
BLOOMINGTON--Katie Phillips is a business owner focused on giving couples the perfect attire for their wedding day.
"We're a very family oriented store," said Phillips.
But often, those passing by her downtown door are looking for taverns...not tuxes.
She says those party plans are forcing her to clean up the leftover mess.
"Blood, urine, vomit, garbage, cigarette butts, a lot of cigarette butts, beer bottles," listed Phillips.
Now, after making several requests to the city, a controversial "jazz cafe" wants a tavern license to open next door to her.
"I'm very supportive of having a jazz cafe, just not on this block," said Phillips.
Members of a task force dedicated to keeping the area safe agree.
"We have enough licenses right now. And no new licenses are pretty hard to refute," said Entertainment Task Force Member Tricia Stiller. "I think it's not very responsible thinking to go, 'Oh, what's one more."'
Now leaders are proposing different liquor licenses to help new business get off the ground, while still selling alcohol
They're called the "Q" and the "E," and unlike a tavern or restaurant they have certain guidelines.
An "E" license would be used to open an entertainment venue, like a comedy club.
It would still sell alcohol, but people under 21 could get in because there are other activities to enjoy--similar to a bowling alley.
A "Q" license could apply to businesses wanting to serve more alcohol than food.
30% of revenue would have to come from meal sales.
Those under 21 can get in, but they have to leave at a certain time.
"I think they should be able to add them. So you have variety, different places to go and hang out," said patron Melissa Martin.
While some believe the changes are a benefit, others say the cup is already overflowing with places to have a good time.
City Council Recap:
Leaders have decided not to add the new liquor licenses, until current problems associated with alcohol are solved.
A decision on a proposed downtown jazz cafe has been pushed back to next month.
"We're a very family oriented store," said Phillips.
But often, those passing by her downtown door are looking for taverns...not tuxes.
She says those party plans are forcing her to clean up the leftover mess.
"Blood, urine, vomit, garbage, cigarette butts, a lot of cigarette butts, beer bottles," listed Phillips.
Now, after making several requests to the city, a controversial "jazz cafe" wants a tavern license to open next door to her.
"I'm very supportive of having a jazz cafe, just not on this block," said Phillips.
Members of a task force dedicated to keeping the area safe agree.
"We have enough licenses right now. And no new licenses are pretty hard to refute," said Entertainment Task Force Member Tricia Stiller. "I think it's not very responsible thinking to go, 'Oh, what's one more."'
Now leaders are proposing different liquor licenses to help new business get off the ground, while still selling alcohol
They're called the "Q" and the "E," and unlike a tavern or restaurant they have certain guidelines.
An "E" license would be used to open an entertainment venue, like a comedy club.
It would still sell alcohol, but people under 21 could get in because there are other activities to enjoy--similar to a bowling alley.
A "Q" license could apply to businesses wanting to serve more alcohol than food.
30% of revenue would have to come from meal sales.
Those under 21 can get in, but they have to leave at a certain time.
"I think they should be able to add them. So you have variety, different places to go and hang out," said patron Melissa Martin.
While some believe the changes are a benefit, others say the cup is already overflowing with places to have a good time.
City Council Recap:
Leaders have decided not to add the new liquor licenses, until current problems associated with alcohol are solved.
A decision on a proposed downtown jazz cafe has been pushed back to next month.
