Branson Aldermen want city's input on liquor license process

Board held meeting to vote on next step. Kathryn Buckstaff News-Leader Published July 31 Branson — Though the city is studying the liquor license process, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said she does not believe the Board of Aldermen intend to restrict the number of businesses with licenses. "I don't hear that from anyone," Presley said Monday. However, the board does plan to examine how much control the city can exert and get citizens' input on the issue, she said. At a special meeting Monday, the board unanimously approved a step in the process that could net licenses for Hillbilly Inn, Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and the White River Fish Co. Alderman Jack Purvis was not in attendance. In the current process, city officials certify the business has met health and building department requirements. After licensing from the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco, the city issues a business permit. Currently, there are 157 businesses with state licenses including convenience stores and restaurants. The city collects a fee of 1Ï times the state liquor license fee, amounting to $49,987 for 2007 licenses. Many cities impose regulations over liquor including limiting the number of establishments, the hours of sale and the age of people inside, said Joe Hodgin, alcohol division district supervisor. "They cannot be prohibitive, but they can regulate," Hodgin said. Branson ordinances currently contain 11 categories of restrictions including the number of convenience stores that may sell liquor. Sunday sales are prohibited between 11 a.m. and midnight. Alderman Bob McDowell said the city has issued a request for proposals for a citizens' survey on a variety of topics including liquor control. The goal, McDowell said, "is to really get to the heart and soul of the community." There's a history of complaints about liquor sales in Branson. After Purvis was elected for his first term in 2003, he opposed allowing restaurants that serve liquor to become tenants in Branson Landing. The $420 million lakefront lifestyle center that opened a year ago is on property leased from the city. Purvis could not be reached for comment. At that time, Purvis said, "I'm very concerned about the wholesale destruction of the Branson image. In my opinion, enough is enough, and the more we have, the more of a party group we're going to have." Also in 2003, there was controversy over the sales of liquor in four of Branson's 46 theaters. The Taney County Board of Commissioners passed a non-binding resolution opposing it. Four theaters are still licensed. Al Moon, a former Branson alderman and then chair of the county's Industrial Development Authority, opposed the resolution. "This discussion does nothing but drive business away," Moon said at the time. "If people think we don't want people here who drink or who want to sell alcohol, you might as well close the gates and bar Highway 65." Moon, who was at Monday's meeting, said he still opposes a liquor ban. "I don't think they're headed in that direction," Moon said. "I think there's some concern to try to control more than limit." This summer, Alcohol Control conducted checks in Taney County, sending in a minor to buy liquor. In at least seven instances, the minor - hired by Alcohol Control for the role - was able to buy liquor, Hodgin said. The sites included two nightclubs, three convenience stores and three restaurants on Branson Landing: Garfields, Joe's Crab Shack and Sullivan's. In each case, the person who sold the liquor was arrested, Hodgin said. Statewide, he said, 48 percent of businesses selling liquor fail compliance checks. "Criminally, the only responsible person is the one who actually supplied the liquor," Hodgin said. "But the business is cited and has to appear before the state supervisor of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and they can get a fine or have their license suspended or revoked. It's not to say it's not a reputable establishment. It's just at that time on that day, an employee did sell liquor to a minor."