Brookings Banter

The idea of increasing the number of liquor licenses that a city can issue is becoming a hot topic as we approach the legislative session.  The major opponents will be those who currently own licenses because of the false value that has been created by allowing private exchange of those licenses.

It's not Brookings fault that liquor licenses have a market value.  I'd like to say that Brookings leaders knew there would be problems with allowing licenses to be transferred between private parties at market rate.  But I don't think that is true.  Instead the city exercised it local option to lease the licenses and create a recurring revenue stream by charging an override on all wholesale sales to off and on sale retailers. 

Today as the state realizes that more liquor licenses for restaurants is economic development for cities,  those who spent big bucks on the licenses will lobby hard for their personal interest to limit the licenses.  Brookings should not suffer because of other cities choices.  The state should give the local option to increase licenses to the cities.  Brookings can increase the licenses available and cities like Sioux Falls can deal with the choices they made however they see best.