By Kim McDarison
A process begun in April to increase the number of “Class A” liquor licenses available within the city of Fort Atkinson from 10 to 16, and a change in the authorization procedure associated with issuing operators licenses, passed a third and final reading during Tuesday’s Fort Atkinson City Council meeting.
The language amending city code regarding both the Class A liquor license quota and the operators license authorization procedure was initially brought before the city council on April 20, at which time it passed a first reading.
Language came before council again on May 4 at which time it passed a second reading.
The adoption of city ordinances or the amendments that change them are subject to three readings unless council opts to waive future readings.
Language amending city code to establish a new Class A license quota within the city and to authorize the city clerk to issue operators licenses passed a third reading Tuesday with little discussion.
With approval of the final reading, the city may now issue up to 16 “Class A” licenses, one for every 750 city residents, replacing a metic that had been in place since 2004, allowing one license for every 1,250 city residents. Using the old formula, the city could issue up to 10 “Class A” licenses, which are issued to retailers within the city looking to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption “off premise,” typically in grocery and liquor stores and gas stations.
Before the quota increase was approved, all 10 of the city’s “Class A” licenses were in use, according to City Clerk Michelle Ebbert. The new quota allows the city to issue six more licenses.
With Tuesday’s approval of a third reading of language allowing the city clerk to issue operators licenses, which are issued to any person who wishes to sell, manufacture, brew or serve alcohol at a location within the city, time will be saved for applicants seeking licensed operators by removing a need to include application materials on city council agendas, City Manager Rebecca LeMire noted as part of discussions held during earlier council meetings.
For those applicants denied a permit by the city clerk, language approved within the amended ordinance establishes an appeal process which would bring the matter before city council, LeMire added.
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