St. Cloud Council Lifts Moratorium On Liquor License Limit

ST. CLOUD - The St. Cloud City Council has voted 6-1 to lift the moratorium on the number of liquor licenses allowed in the city.

It's an issue that has come before the council many times over the years.  As recently as April of last year the council voted to limit the number of liquor licenses allowed at 42.

However, City Attorney Matt Staehling says there's only one liquor license available right now, and there have been a number of inquries from individuals and businesses that are interested in getting a license and starting a new business.  Council President John Libert says Downtown Council President Pegg Gustafson is working with 4-5 possible new businesses that would require the ability to sell alcohol, if they were to open downtown.

The lone council member that voted against removing the moratorium was Sonja Berg.  She says she's worried about a possible increase in calls to the police.