Liquor License Application_Players Bar and Grill2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Liquor License Application -Players Bar and Grill, 1902 Central Avenue
DATE: April 28, 2008
Chief of Police Kim Wadding is recommending approval of the annual liquor license for
Players Bar and Grill for the renewal period of March 5, 2008 to March 4, 2009.
On August 20, 2007, the City Council approved asix-month liquor license for Players
Bar and Grill, 1902 Central Avenue. The six-month license expired March 5, 2008. On
February 18, the City Council approved an extension of the current liquor license to
allow additional time for review based upon the number of calls for service and arrests
experienced by Players Bar & Grill. The review period was for 60 days ending the first
part of May 2008.
In response to the concerns, the police department has been meeting regularly with
owners, Dave and Rhonda Lorenz, to discuss and implement a number of strategies to
impact the calls for service. Those strategies have included:
• Regular meetings with the Police Department.
• The sending of NO TRESPASS letters to subjects involved in any disturbances,
to prevent them from returning.
• Limit the number of people in the bar from the current occupancy limit of 135 to
80-95 persons.
• Upgrade the video surveillance equipment in the bar in an attempt to identify
offenders.
• Maintain clearly identifiable Security staff Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Maintain a high profile for checking all identifications of those who enter.
• Provide Training for Intervention Procedures (T.I.P.S.) training to all bar staff.
During the previous liquor license renewal period from April 5, 2006 to May 7, 2007,
Players Bar & Grill generated 204 calls for service including 74 disturbances, 15 crimes
against persons, 11 crimes against property and 7 public moral violations. During the
six-month liquor license period from August 14, 2007 to January 27, 2008, Players
generated 56 calls for service. Of these, 26 were disturbances, two crimes against
persons, two crimes against property and ten public moral violations.
Since January 28, 2008 to April 21, 2008, there were 32 calls for service. Of those, two
were disturbances, one crime against persons, no crimes against property, and two
public moral violations. Additionally there were nine individual violations and no
violations against the business.
In review of the corrective measures, it appears the measures regarding the reduction
of crowd size, providing additional security staff for Thursday, Friday and Saturday
night, and consistent and active security presence at the entrance have had the most
impact in the reduction of the calls for service and the other concerns.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
(,'
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM/jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Kim B. Wadding, Chief of Police
TH8 CTI'Y OF
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 25, 2008
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
FROM: Kim Wadding .~~
Police Chief
RE: Liquor License Application:
Players Bar and Grill, 1902 Central Avenue
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to recommend the approval of the annual liquor
license for Players Bar and Grill located at 1902 Central Avenue for the renewal period
of March 5, 2008 to March 4, 2009.
BACKGROUND
On August 20th, 2007, the City Council approved asix-month liquor license for Players
Bar and Grill, 1902 Central Avenue. The six-month license expired March 5th, 2008. On
February 18th, the City Council approved an extension of the current liquor license to
allow additional time for review based upon the number of calls for service and arrests
experienced by Players Bar & Grill. The review period was for 60 days ending the first
part of May, 2008.
In reviewing liquor license renewals, the Police Department analyzes calls for service,
arrests, and other areas of concern. The four primary categories associated with the
calls for service include: Disturbances, Crimes against Persons, Crimes against
Property, and Public Morals and are defined by the following:
Disturbances Includes physical fighting, verbal arguments, loud music and/or subjects
and all other disorder) behavior not alread listed
Crimes A ainst Persons Includes Assault and Harassment
Crimes A ainst Pro ert Includes Bur lar ,Criminal Mischief and Theft
Public Morals Includes Public Intoxication and Possession of Controlled Substances
DISCUSSION
In response to the concerns, the police department has been meeting regularly with
owners, Dave and Rhonda Lorenz, to discuss and implement a number of strategies to
impact the calls for service. Those strategies have included:
• Regular meetings with the Police Department.
• The sending of NO TRESPASS letters to subjects involved in any disturbances,
to prevent them from returning.
• Limit the number of people in the bar from the current occupancy limit of 135 to
80-95 persons.
• Upgrade the video surveillance equipment in the bar in an attempt to identify
offenders.
• Maintain clearly identifiable Security staff Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
• Maintain a high profile for checking all identifications those who enter.
• Provide T.I.P.S. training to all bar staff.
During the previous liquor license renewal period from April 5, 2006 to May 7, 2007,
Players Bar & Grill generated 204 calls for service including 74 disturbances, 15 crimes
against persons, 11 crimes against property and seven public moral violations. During
the six-month liquor license period from August 14, 2007 to January 27, 2008, Players
generated 56 calls for service. Of these, 26 were disturbances, two crimes against
persons, two crimes against property and 10 public moral violations.
Since January 28, 2008 to April 21, 2008, there were 32 calls for service. Of those, two
were disturbances, one crime against persons, no crimes against property, and two
public moral violations. Additionally there were nine individual violations and no
violations against the business.
DPD Case # Type of Call/Circumstances Disposition
08-4768 Public Morals -Police conducted a walkthrough in the Public Intoxication,
bar and located an underage patron hiding in the Possession of Alcohol
bathroom who stated she was not identified by staff. Under Age, Bar After
Hours 9:00 P.M.
08-10838 Disturbance -Officers observed bar staff removing Handled By Officer
patrons out of the bar at closing time. A large group
athered outside of the bar and was loud.
08-12955 Disturbance -Officers observed a female subject being Public Intoxication (2),
escorted out of the bar by bar staff. Officers also Disorderly Conduct
observed a male subject attempting to assault a
securit staff member. Both sub'ects were arrested.
08-15312 Protective Order Violation -Officers arrested a male Domestic Abuse Order
subject who was violating a protective order by
attempting to make contact with a female patron inside
the bar. Security staff would not allow the suspect
inside.
08-17224 Public Morals -Officers conducting a walkthrough and Public Intoxication,
observed a suspect in a verbal confrontation with Possession of a
another patron. The subject was arrested and was Controlled Substance
found to be in ossession of a controlled substance.
In review of the corrective measures, it appears the measures regarding the reduction
of crowd size, providing additional security staff for Thursday, Friday and Saturday
night, and consistent and active security presence at the entrance have had the most
impact in the reduction of the calls for service and the other concerns.
With these improvements and the willingness of owners, Dave and Rhonda Lorenz, to
continue to meet and review the activities for any adjustments to enhance the
reductions in the number and severity of the calls for service, we would support
approval of the liquor license renewal for Players Bar & Grill, 1902 Central Avenue, for
the renewal period of March 5, 2008 to March 4, 2009.
RECOMMENDATION
Based upon the recent analysis, we would recommend approval of the liquor license
renewal for Players Bar & Grill, 1902 Central Avenue, for the renewal period of March 5,
2008 to March 4, 2009.
ACTION REQUESTED
Action requested is for City Council consideration to approve the liquor license renewal
for Players Bar & Grill, 1902 Central Avenue for the renewal period of March 5, 2008 to
March 4, 2009.
Cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Jeanne Schneider, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 150-08
Whereas, applications for Liquor Licenses have been submitted to this Council for approval
and the same have been examined and approved; and
Whereas, the premises to be occupied by such applicants were inspected and found to
comply with the State Laws and all City Ordinances relevant thereto and they have filed proper
bonds.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE,
IOWA:
That the Manager be authorized to cause to be issued the following named applicants a
Liquor License.
CLASS "C" BEER/LIQUOR LICENSE
L & L Investment Co Players Sports Bar+(Sunday Sale) 1902 Central Av
Passed, approved and adopted this 5th day of May, 2008.
Roy D. Buol
Mayor
Attest:
Jeanne F. Schneider, CMC
City Clerk