Continued: Editorial: St. Paul should OK al fresco ordinance

Now that the most elusive of seasons is finally here, conversations change slightly when Minnesotans talk about going out to eat and drink.

Yes, north country types want good food, atmosphere and service. But added to that list during the spring and summer months is, "Where can we have dinner, drinks and sit outside?''

The St. Paul City Council is considering a reasonable ordinance modification that could expand the number of such venues. Currently, slightly more than 70 of the city's 252 bars and restaurants with liquor licenses have city permission to serve liquor on patios or sidewalks. Dozens more could offer beer, wine and other spirits al fresco if a proposed licensing change is approved.

Under present law, St. Paul businesses must get signatures from 90 percent of property owners within a certain distance to serve alcohol outdoors. That ordinance was adopted more than a decade ago to help nearby residents maintain peace and quiet in their neighborhoods.

However, gathering that number of signers has become increasingly difficult for some cafes, bars and restaurants. City license officials say the most common reason for falling short on signatures is that rental property owners can be hard to find. And with the growing number of property foreclosures, it's more challenging to reach banks or other owners in different parts of the country.

So instead of a strict 90 percent rule, council member Pat Harris suggests a practical, graduated approach. His proposal would allow the council to continue to grant outdoor licenses with 90 percent approval from neighbors within 300 feet. Businesses that get 60 to 89 percent approval could receive a license, but with conditions. A 59 percent or lower signature rate would likely mean no license, but the council would have the option to approve with conditions.

Those conditions might include limited hours or other measures to address traffic, noise or access issues. Public hearings would be required for any license request, giving residents the chance to express support or object. That's how Minneapolis has long handled outdoor liquor licenses. No petition drive or signatures are required, but public hearings must be held.

On Wednesday, the St. Paul proposal will receive a first reading before the council, and a public hearing will be scheduled for later this month.

The licensing change would help diners and restaurant patrons enjoy Minnesota's abbreviated warm-weather season and help boost business at St. Paul bars and restaurants. At the same time, the city needs to be careful not to harm the neighborhoods that make St. Paul such a special place.

Relaxing the 90 percent signature rule, with the right conditions in place to preserve neighborhood tranquility, merits approval by the council.

Recent Editorials stories

Editorial: This Bud Light's not for U - May 5, 2008

Editorial: This Bud Light's not for U - Anheuser-Busch's ill-advised 'Fan Cans'' promotion. More

Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments

New ideas for the public sector

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME to create a more efficient Minnesota. Facing large budget deficits at the state, county and local levels, Minnesotans are seeing with new clarity that the public sector must adapt to new economic realities. Only the smartest, most strategic reinvention will ensure that our tax dollars are spent on the best programs and services. Read more

About Opinion Exchange

Opinion Exchange is produced by the Editorial Department, which is dedicated to hosting the discussion on a range of issues of interest to Star Tribune readers online and in print. In its new format, it's our hope that Opinion Exhange will create a more dynamic dialogue between Star Tribune readers and the Editorial Board. Many individual posts will be written and signed by members of the Editorial Board and will reflect their own opinions. Daily editorials will continue to represent the institutional voice of the newspaper and be researched and written by the Editorial Department, which is independent of the newsroom.

Subscribe to RSS|Learn more about RSS