Cliff Buchan
News Editor

A new pitch for 2 a.m. bar closing has been in Forest Lake and if approved by the city could result in new charges to all bar and food businesses here.

Peter Paidar, owner of the Forest Laker, went before city council Monday making a renewed pitch to extend the cityís bar closing time from 1 a.m. to 2 a.m. as allowed by state law.

A year ago the city council declined to make such a move, opting to stay with the current 1 a.m. cutoff for liquor sales.

Paidar said Monday bar owners in Forest Lake are losing business to the many surrounding communities that have extended liquor hours. In order to be competitive, bars in Forest Lake need the extension, Paidar said.

A survey of bars in Forest Lake found support for the extension with the exception of VFW Post 4210 which has concerns for labor costs. Businesses that offer banquet services also endorse the extension, Paidar said.

For businesses like the Forest Laker that specialize in late night food and entertainment, the later closing is needed, Paidar said.

City concerns

Council listened to Paidarís pitch this week but tabled any decision until more information can be collected.

Heading the list of concerns are public safety issues and additional costs that could fall to the city.

Noting that drunk driving arrests have increased so far this year, council members questioned the impact on police if the hours are extended.

An additional factor is the new costs the city will incur when court is no longer held in Forest Lake. Already police are being requested to transport intoxicated people to detox centers 30 miles south.

In its decision to table the issue, council called on staff to provide details on projects costs the later bar closing could trigger for police and prosecution.

Police Chief Clark Quiring said it was logical to expect some additional police time to be needed but the process could be handled.

ìWe can do that if it is the councilís wish,î Quiring said.

Council member Susan Young and Mayor Terry Smith offered two ideas for raising new funds to help support expanding police costs.

Young said a 7 percent across the board surtax on the food and bar business in Forest Lake would be one funding source.

Smith said a ìpremiumî charge to the barís on-sale liquor license would raise additional dollars. On-sale liquor licenses carry a $3200 annual fee now.

Council member Dick Tschida agreed with the need to find ways to cover additional city expense but also felt it was important to respond to needs of the business community.

Tschida said it was good to find ways to help strengthen local businesses that support the community in way many way. And who best knows what businesses need, he asked?

ìItís the people there on a day-to-day basis,î Tschida said.

Safety concerns

Council members Rick Ashbach and Judy Bull both expressed concerns for dealing with safety issues.

Ashbach said he was concerned with what the late-night closing would mean to the downtown and the cityís responsibility to maintain decorum in the municipal parking lot.

ìIíll just leave it as disorderly conduct,î Ashbach said.

Paidar said he and other bar owners also recognize the public safety questions.

He said the Forest Laker has responded with its own safe ride program and works with local taxi companies to assist people with rides home.

And in reality, Paidar said he and other bar owners are finding customers who are leaving Forest Lake establishments to drive to neighboring towns where they will be served liquor until 2 a.m.

Paidar said his business, now in the midst of a $1 million expansion and remodeling effort, will have greater need for the 2 a.m. bar closing once he is able to expand the food and banquet business.

Council set no deadline for bringing the matter back to the table for additional discussion and action.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605