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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,April 18,2011 Page 19 At the request of Mayor Roe, Councilmember Johnson detailed his formal request to have a discussion to adopt a two-tier component to the City's existing alcohol sales ordinance, specifically addressing off-sale establishments in Roseville, hav- ing no other retail sales income options, such as a restaurant or bar maintained. Included as part of Councilmember Johnson's was a letter from Rod Olson, Store Manager at The Cellars Wines and Spirits, 8701 Lincoln Drive; and a petition of support for the proposed two-tier system from off-premise liquor license holders or store managers; along with his personal analysis and comparisons of off-sale liquor ordinances from other communities. Councilmember Johnson noted that Roseville was the only City in his review of those comparables that had a mandatory suspension for the first violation. Coun- cilmember Johnson spoke in support of a two-tier system or changing back to a one-tier system with less strict penalties for a first violation. Councilmember Johnson referenced his further analysis over the last twelve (12) years of actual liquor store violations and their frequency, noting that off-sale premises did not have a bad track record and were not deserving of such severe penalty conse- quences based on their record. Mayor Roe clarified the process in updating the ordinance from previous policy that still provided for a one day suspension for those not participating in optional server training and only having a monetary penalty for a first violation. However, Mayor Roe noted that participating in the training program was now mandatory with corresponding increased financial penalties. Discussion among Councilmembers included comparisons with the City of St. Louis Park ordinance; and who determines options for the day of suspension. Mayor Roe noted attendance of representatives from several Roseville liquor stores and invited their public testimony at this time. Public Comment Rod Olson, Cellars Wine and Spirits Mr. Olson noted the due diligence of off-sale managers and owners to ensure compliance and to avoid sales to minors on their premises. Mr. Olson opined that it was not the off-sale liquor stores failing, but on-sale licensees repeatedly failing compliance checks, and that they should be penalized accordingly, without nega- tively impacting those businesses being diligent. Mr. Olson noted that by going with a two-tier system, it put the blame where it should be. Mr. Olson advised that off-sale managers/owners were fully aware of fines and punishments, and that they served as a viable deterrent for them, and made them extra diligent in their operations. Mr. Olson noted that, even if an on-sale establishment were fined and their license suspended, they were still able to retain their revenues through food and other product sales.