The non-broadcast meeting that our town had on the new proposed ordinances on liquor sales have been
reported by the Tennessean and it raised several questions.
"People are going to line up just like they would for (tickets to a big) concert," she said.
Portions of the ordinance that garnered heavy discussion included how to issue certificates of compliance, which allow applicants to obtain a liquor license from the state Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Most council members expressed their preference as being dated and stamped upon submission to the town clerk's office — complete with a $750 application fee to cover zoning and background checks — rather than a lottery.
At least they are honest on the fact that their is a demand from business people to start these businesses. How they will pick the three that will be privileged to start a business might be a lottery.
Councilman H.G. Cole said the lottery system appealed more to him than applicants coming before the council, recalling a time when the council served as the town's beer board.
"I didn't like it. I felt uncomfortable. If they meet the regulations, they have an opportunity to apply," he said.
The article is short of the juicy details that people like me desire, but they did bring up a new requirement that amused me to no end.
A net worth of $100,000 was also put in place to ensure the business owners would have the ability to keep up the store's appearance.
"Liquor is a cash business. Do you want a store that only sells Mad Dog 20/20, Thunderbird and Boone's Farm or a nice, upscale store," Councilman Tim Morrell asked.
Sorry Tim, but I want a store that sells what the people want. So the answer from me to your question is "yes". I do want the people to be able to buy what they desire. By putting an income limit on the store you might be limiting people who have a good business plan, but are just short of the amount the town desires. Sadly they did not broadcast why this 'add-on' was added or the reasoning behind it.
4 comments:
Hey Gunner
Do you know if the council whent with the residency requirement?
Outside of this article I can not find anything on their meeting.
That is complete craziness! I cannot envision how placing a "net worth" requirement on a liquor store owner is legal. It is kind of like affirmative action in reverse.
Maybe it would be more P.C. if the business owners were on public assistance? It makes just as much sense. At least it would give someone an opportunity to escape poverty. Or, maybe, we can just let capitalism do it's thing, and let whoever opens the best store make money and stay in business.
It is kind of silly. Anyone who can get a loan right now to start a business is probably very deserving of the opportunity, whether they have a $100,000 net worth or not. I cannot believe that anyone would seriously entertain the notion of targeting winos and vagrants as their customer base for a new business, as Mr. Morrell seems to be suggesting. Hyperbole much?
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