The Hugo's grocery store on South Columbia Road in Grand Forks got its new liquor license Monday night from the City Council.
While this would be a somewhat unusual situation, it wouldn't be the first time in the state or city that a grocery store played host to a liquor store.
Albertson's supermarket had one when it was opened in Grand Forks many years ago, according to city attorney Howard Swanson.
In the local region, Wally's Supermarkets in Devils Lake and Grafton, N.D., now have attached liquor stores.
Council members Art Bakken and Terry Bjerke said they were uncomfortable with such an arrangement, but only Bjerke voted not to grant the liquor license.
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It passed 5-1. Council President Hal Gershman, a liquor store owner himself, recused himself from voting.
Hugo's liquor store would be attached to the grocery store, but there would be no passage connecting the two, as state law requires. Doug Driscoll, the company's operations director, has said the Columbia Road location is ideal because there are no competing liquor stores nearby.
City law limits Hugo's to two licenses.
The new liquor store is expected to open before the end of the year.
Driscoll said the company might consider adding liquor stores at some of the seven other stores it has in North Dakota and Minnesota if the operation in Grand Forks works out.
As part of the discussion on Monday night, Bjerke persuaded other council members to begin the discussion on limiting the number of liquor licenses the city gives out. The city had imposed such a limit in the past but now there is no limit.
Bjerke said he feels the city's giving out too many liquor licenses.
City investments
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In other news, city Finance Director John Schmisek said the meltdown on the stock market should have little impact on the city's investments.
State law says cities may only buy bonds and other securities that are guaranteed by the federal government or state government, such as treasury bills. Cities may not play the stock market.
Reach Tran at (701) 780-1248; (800) 477-6572, ext. 248; or send e-mail to ttran@gfherald.com .
