“We would have to look at not having beer or liquor. I’m worried it’s going to cripple our business,” Jessica Frazey said of what would happen if the Supreme Court rules with previous courts that have said Pender sits within the Omaha Indian Reservation, thus giving the tribe authority to regulate the businesses and impose taxes.

Businesses in Pender that sell alcohol are awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on whether or not they are subject to an Omaha Tribe of Nebraska ordinance that would require them to buy a tribal liquor license and pay sales taxes to the tribe on top of what they already pay in state licensing fees and taxes.  The additional costs could put some owners out of business.

A changed liquor licensing ordinance went into effect Monday in Rochester Hills, MI allowing for more oversight into which restaurants, bars and taverns bring licenses into the city.

The amendment to the ordinance will provide more notice to local officials when a business applies for a license. The change will also require City Council approval of on-premises liquor licenses and license transfers, and add non-payment of taxes and other obligations as a factor in officials’ consideration of an application.

Restaurants in Covington that are adjacent to churches and schools will be allowed to sell alcoholic beverages under an ordinance approved by the City Council Tuesday night.

The council’s unanimous vote on the ordinance means the city’s regulations now mirror those in New Orleans, which exempt restaurants from the state law designed to prohibit bars from operating within 300 feet of schools and churches.

The Elmwood Park Council adopted a resolution waiving the 500 foot distance requirement between liquor license locations in the borough.

The liquor license resolution was passed in support of “free enterprise.”

The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement cited a Neshannock Township business for a liquor license violation.

Castle Hills Golf Course was cited for failing to notify the Liquor Control Enforcement Bureau of a change in managers. The business could face up to $5000 in fines.

A zoning change that advocates describe as a win for restaurant owners outside of downtown’s 1.6 square miles — particularly with the proliferation of new dining spots there and in the greater downtown’s 7.2 square miles — took effect last month after nearly three years of work.

The zoning change makes the process for opening a restaurant in Detriot a lot quicker and easier than it used to be. Prospective restaurateurs no longer have to go through a lengthy hearing process with the Building, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department and the Board of Zoning Appeals if they want to locate within 1,000 feet of two other alcohol-serving restaurants. Restaurants throughout the city’s 143 square miles that serve alcohol are now considered a “by right” use.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board deactivated the license for the businesses on July 1, primarily because the owner, NCK Inc., failed to submit a midterm validation for its ongoing operation.

In Pennsylvania, liquor licenses are usually granted for two years, but in alternating years a business needs to confirm that they’re still operating by filing a validation. The PLCB needs the validation to verify the license holder’s status before confirming that the license is still good.

It should be a clear warning to bar businesses who sell their company to a new owner who doesn’t follow through with St. Mary’s County Liquor Board regulations: You can still be liable.

There’s a cautionary tale in Leonardtown, MD. When you sell a business, you may still be liable when the licenses change hands.

The Wyoming Liquor Division has awarded a retail liquor license to the City of Douglas, and it will be up for grabs in August, along with new guidelines for the application process.

The new guidelines include looking at the business’ location, the viability of the business and financial plans, and when the business plans on opening in cases where construction or renovation is required.