Title
Liquor License - Golden Margarita
Description
Request for a liquor license. Arizona State License Application 175908.
License Information
Summary
Applicant
Jeffrey Miller, Agent
License Type
Series 12 - Restaurant
Location
330 E. Roosevelt St.
Zoning Classification: DTC - East Evan Churchill
Council District: 8
This request is for a new liquor license for a restaurant. This location was previously licensed for liquor sales and may currently operate with an interim permit.
The 60-day limit for processing this application is Feb. 21, 2022.
Pursuant to A.R.S. 4-203, a spirituous liquor license shall be issued only after satisfactory showing of the capability, qualifications and reliability of the applicant and that the public convenience and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance. If an application is filed for the issuance of a license for a location, that on the date the application is filed has a valid license of the same series issued at that location, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the public convenience and best interest of the community at that location was established at the time the location was previously licensed. The presumption shall not apply once the licensed location has not been in use for more than 180 days.
Other Active Liquor License Interest in Arizona
This applicant does not hold an interest in any other active liquor license in the State of Arizona.
Public Opinion
Two letters protesting the issuance of this license have been received and are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. The letters are from local residents. They feel that the Golden Margarita has created an unsafe environment for the community with a history of noise complaints and shooting incidents at the location. They feel the applicant is not qualified or able to manage a liquor license.
Two letters supporting the issuance of this license have been received and are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. The letters are from a local resident and a business owner who feel the Golden Margarita brings growth and is a great addition to the neighborhood that provides great service.
Applicant’s Statement
The applicant submitted the following statement in support of this application. Spelling, grammar and punctuation in the statement are shown exactly as written by the applicant on the City Questionnaire.
I have the capability, reliability and qualifications to hold a liquor license because:
“I have been operating this establishment since 2020. Am filing under a new LLC. I will continue to abide by Title 4 laws and ensure my employees are trained in Title 4 liquor law training.”
The public convenience requires and the best interest of the community will be substantially served by the issuance of the liquor license because:
“I would like to offer my patrons the choice of having an adult beverage while enjoying a bite to eat while in the art district of downtown."
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends disapproval of this application based on Finance and Police Department recommendations for disapproval. The Police Department disapproval is based on the applicants history of liquor violations, prior history of failing to meet the percentage of food sales required for a restaurant license, currently operating more like a bar instead of a restaurant, reported violence at the establishment, and community noise complaints. Additionally, the current applicant was previously recommended for denial for this location by the City Council at the July 1, 2021 Formal Meeting. The applicant has not demonstrated the capability, qualifications and reliability to hold and control a liquor license.
Attachments
Liquor License Data - Golden Margarita
Liquor License Map - Golden Margarita
Liquor License Police Department Recommendation - Golden Margarita
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer and the City Clerk Department.