Council considers liquor sales in Hillsboro
Wants input from retailers regarding Sunday beer sales
Staff reporter
The selling of alcoholic beverages on Sundays and allowing liquor stores within the city limits were topics of discussion Nov. 15 by Hillsboro City Council.
City attorney Dan Baldwin advised the council that since it did not take any action, as of Nov. 15, all cities in the state became "wet." For those counties and cities that have approved it, Sunday beer and liquor sales began Sunday.
"There can be a liquor store in Hillsboro," Baldwin said.
Previously the city changed its licensing requirements to meet state regulations. However, the city does not have an ordinance that specifically addresses liquor stores.
Baldwin advised the council that liquor store proprietors could obtain a state license and open for business within the city limits even if no action is taken by the council.
Mayor Delores Dalke asked if a document could be drawn by Baldwin to accommodate the licensing of liquor stores. The council conferred and Baldwin will present an ordinance at the next council meeting.
Prior to that decision, representatives of Casey's General Stores asked the council to consider allowing Sunday cereal malt beverage beer sales by those retailers that currently have a license to sell.
Councilman Len Coryea said he opposed Sunday beer sales because it's what makes small towns unique. He admitted some revenue may be lost but didn't want to see the council approve it.
Councilman Shelby Dierks disagreed.
"I'd rather keep money here in town," said Dierks.
"Marion and Marion County have passed it," said Dalke. "If you want beer on Sundays, you can drive to Canada Bait Shop."
The council want other retailers currently selling beer to be contacted and attend a future meeting. Dalke agreed that the decision should be theirs and not the council's.
Coryea stood his ground and said he would not change his mind.
Councilman Matt Hiebert was absent from the meeting and the council wanted all members present when making that decision.
Coryea asked the amount of beer sold at Casey's. Deb Gray, area supervisor, said the Hillsboro store averaged $120 to $145 of beer sales per day. Coryea said he would be interested in beer sales on a slower day compared with a Saturday. Gray said she wasn't sure if she could provide that information but would check.
Dalke reminded Coryea that restaurants can serve alcohol on Sundays under the liquor-by-the-drink law passed by the county.
See page 10 for additional story of Hillsboro City Council meeting.
