Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Liquor Control Commission

The Liquor Control Commission, who cunningly disguise themselves as the Carbondale City Council, met right after the city council meeting to consider two resolutions, one concerning Carbondale Main Street and one for Melting Pot Inc.

Carbondale Main Street was again bothering people about the Downtown Wine and Art Fair, this time asking for a F-1 permit, temporarily allowing them to sell beer and wine during a 48 hour period. I'd guess the 48 hours has to be continuous, though this point was never brought up. Anyhow, it passed unanimously.

Next up was Lance Jack, who had recused himself from the Commission tonight so he couple present a request for a Class A-1 license, allowing his soon to open Fat Patties restaurant on S. Illinois to sell beer and wine. In his presentation, Jack pointed out he was opening in a location that had sat empty for two years, that he was bringing jobs to Carbondale, and, while he expected to success without it, having a beer and wine license would certainly make it easier for the restaurant to turn a profit.

Councilwoman Pohlman made an awkwardly worded motion to deny the license, saying it was not in the best interests of Carbondale to open it. Councilman Fritzler seconded it, saying he feared that, if Jack got the license,he would have to recuse himself from all issues regarding liquor coming before both council and commission, making it harder for both to do their jobs. Jack then spoke again, asking them to treat him as a regular citizen and not as a councilman. Didn't work though as Pohlman, Fritzler, Haynes and Wissmann voted in favor of denying the license, with McDaniel and the Mayor voting against.

Mayor Cole dismissed the commission at 7:47.

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