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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 28, 2008 Page 23 City should support small and independent businesses as well, and that 10 li- censes were more than sufficient based on the City's population. Discussion included exposing children to alcohol during grocery shopping; im- pacts of additional licenses to smaller, independent businesses; and how the num- ber of 10 licenses was originally determined, with no firm information available. Councilmember Ihlan noted that this was the third time this issue had come before the City Council for discussion during her tenure, and opined that she would need to be convinced that there was a good public policy reason to increase the number of licenses. Councilmember Ihlan opined that she found no compelling reason in amending the law, or in having a hearing; and expressed her discomfort in having Rainbow make application when there was no license currently available; and questioned whether this was a policy discussion, or a way to specifically accom- modate Roundy's request. Mayor Klausing opined that he would like to have a hearing on the matter; noting that previous discussions had come up in the context of Twin Lakes development, which had muddied the discussion. Mayor Klausing further opined that he could not understand the public policy reasons in limiting the marketplace and why the number of licenses should not be lifted, noting the number of ways the industry was regulated outside of the number of licenses issued, but through compliance and license enforcement. Mayor Klausing noted that it had taken 23 years to reach the 10 available license limit, and didn't anticipate a rush of applications if the number was raised; and opined that competition was good and benefited con- sumers; and that while independents couldn't compete with chains and their vol- ume pricing, they could compete in quality of and personalized service. Councilmember Willmus opined that, at some point, there needed to be a policy discussion; at a minimum to determine if 10 licenses were the appropriate number for the City. Councilmember Roe opined that, if the purpose of a public hearing was for the narrow focus of whether to add one more license he was not interested in holding a hearing. However, Councilmember Roe expressed interest in a broader discus- sion of anon-defined area of the ordinance he would consider a mechanism to hold such a discussion. Councilmember Roe opined that the City Council had a role in the regulation of liquor establishments under concerns for the health, safety and welfare of the community; but opined that he was less convinced by competition and protecting current businesses, or using City ordinance to restrict businesses; and opined that that there was a need to come up with criteria as to why the number and location of licenses was limited. Mayor Klausing concurred that, while there was only one particular applicant re- questing alicense, and the only way to grant the request would be to amend code,