Costco's effort in Burnsville advances

Council was told allowing more liquor stores can bring problems, but a city that added stores said things are fine.

By DEAN SPIROS, Star Tribune

Last update: June 24, 2009 - 11:20 PM

Discount retailer Costco's quest to open a store in Burnsville took another step toward resolution this week as the City Council heard from experts on the effect of loosening the city's liquor store ordinance.

Costco is interested in a site along County Road 42, between County Road 5 and Interstate 35E, for a store that would include the sale of beer and wine. To allow that, Burnsville would have to alter its ordinance that says a liquor store cannot open within a one-mile radius of another store and must be in a free-standing building. The ordinance has been in place since 1982.

The MGM liquor store at County Road 42 and Burnhaven Drive is within a mile of the area Costco is interested in.

An informational meeting Tuesday included a report to the City Council by Bridget Dalrymple, Burnsville's special projects coordinator, and expert testimony from three outside professionals. The next step before the City Council rules on the matter will be a July 28 public hearing.

The requirement that liquor stores be in free-standing buildings was put in place because of safety and enforcement concerns. A free-standing building allows police to drive around the building and prevents loitering by anyone who claims to be frequenting an adjacent business.

Dalrymple's report said Burnsville police officials do not predict an increase in calls should the ordinance no longer require a free-standing building. A check with officials in Eagan, which does not have such a limitation, brought a similar response, the report said.

MGM, one of seven liquor stores in Burnsville, was granted an exemption in 1983 to open a store in a strip mall.

Frank Ball, executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, was one of the experts invited to make a presentation. Ball, who also serves as a lobbyist for liquor retail establishments, urged the City Council not to change its ordinance.

Ball praised the city's efforts and warned that easing the controls it had on the number of stores could lead to, among other things, an increase in alcohol being purchased by minors.

Council Member Dan Gustafson asked Ball whether he was suggesting any additional liquor store owners would not adhere to the strict rules regarding sales to minors. Ball said he would hope the new owners would comply.

Two members of the city staff from St. Louis Park also made a presentation. St. Louis Park has gone from having six liquor stores in 1992 to 12 today.

The St. Louis Park officials said that there has not been an increase in crime and that the liquor store owners already in place had no concerns about the added competition.

There appears to be wide support from residents south of the river for the addition of a Costco, officials say.

Dean Spiros • 952-882-9203