SNOHOMISH — A panel of residents and business owners could soon help the city decide if it should support — or object — to liquor licenses held by bars and restaurants throughout town.
The group will be formed over the next few months and could get to work by August.
The City Council on Tuesday voted 5-2 to create the panel, called the Liquor Advisory Committee, which will be guided by Police Chief John Turner.
“I think this is a good reaction to what’s going on, on First Street in particular,” Councilman Dean Randall said.
A stabbing, a near-riot and other crimes last year brought the problem of alcohol-fueled violence into sharper focus. The incidents were concentrated on First Street, a touristy block in downtown Snohomish with about 10 businesses that serve booze.
The violence justified creating the unique panel, Turner said.
The panel may be the only one of its kind in the state, according to the state Liquor Control Board.
Snohomish leaders hope the panel will ease lingering tensions between bar owners and police. Some businesses, however, aren’t sold on the idea.
“I definitely have concerns,” said Mark Nuss, owner of Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse.
Bar owners have previously said the panel is unnecessary bureaucracy, but none addressed the council during Tuesday’s public hearing.
Nuss said several of the bar owners felt speaking out would do no good. He represents all the old town alcohol license holders through his role as a member of the Historic Downtown Snohomish business association.
Councilman Tom Hamilton and Councilwoman Melody Clemans voted against creating the panel, saying it needed to be more clear how the board would work.
The majority who voted to create the board said they believe it could foster a more open dialogue between bars and the police.
“My personal hope is that a bar owner will be a member,” City Councilman Greg Guedel said.
Turner said he’d like to see Nuss appointed as one of the panel’s business owners.
Nuss said he was skeptical of joining, however. His restaurant hasn’t had significant issues with police, and he’s uncomfortable weighing in on competitors who have.
“I would have a little problem if they found something wrong with me,” he said, reversing the roles.
At the very least the panel will give the city a clearer way to object to liquor license applications and renewals.
The panel will review evidence such as police reports, speak to liquor license holders and determine if a business poses a problem.
At the panel’s request, Turner may object to a renewal, expressing the city’s concerns to the state, the final judge on liquor sales licenses.
Time will tell if the panel works. Turner believes that, eventually, businesses could come around to supporting it.
“I certainly would want to have my say,” he said. “Again, this is meant to be a community engagement process, not to be one person’s idea of how things should be run.”
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.
Want to serve?
The city soon will begin gathering applications for its new liquor advisory committee. To early interest in serving on the five-person panel, contact city clerk Torchie Corey at 360-282-3155 or corey@ci.snohomish.wa.us. Applications can also be found online at www.ci.snohomish.wa.us.
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