A. Preliminary Investigation: Application shall be made on a form prescribed by the state bureau of criminal apprehension and with such additional information as the council may require. If the council deems it in the public interest to have an investigation made on a particular application for renewal of an on-sale license, it shall so determine. In any case, if the council determines that a comprehensive background and financial investigation of the applicant is necessary, it may conduct the investigation itself or contract with the bureau of criminal apprehension for the investigation. No license shall be issued, transferred, or renewed if the results show to the satisfaction of the council that issuance would not be in the public interest. If an investigation outside the state is required, the applicant shall be charged the cost, not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00), which shall be paid by the applicant. The fee shall be payable by the applicant whether or not the license is granted. The city may require the applicant to post a cash escrow in the amount of the estimated cost of the investigation prior to processing the application.
B. Additional Investigation; Hearing And Issuance: The city council shall investigate all facts set out in the application and not investigated in the preliminary background and financial investigation pursuant to subsection A of this section. Opportunity shall be given to any person to be heard for or against the granting of the license. After the investigation and hearing, the council shall, in its discretion, grant or refuse the application. No off-sale license shall become effective until it, together with the security furnished by the applicant, has been approved by the commissioner of public safety.
C. Approval for Fire Relief Association Annual Event: The City Council has the authority to approved the necessary liquor license applications for this event without annual approval before the City Council at an official meeting and direct the City Clerk to process the application annually.
(2005 Code; amd. Ord. 2020-04, 6-1-2020)