Camera Requirements Changed in Rewritten Liquor Ordinance

After a number of meetings and drafts of a new liquor license ordinance in Port Washington, officials re-introduced the law on Tuesday with City Administrator Mark Grams saying "there doesn't seem to be any objections," from businesses this time around.

The ordinance requires new businesses to offer a plan of operation as well as security plan before a liquor license application can be approved, but business owners were concerned about requiring cameras and how the process affected ownership changes, particularly within the family.

The reworked ordinance allows for family members or employees involved in the business for more than one year to be exempt from submitting a plan of operation for a new business when taking over ownership; it also takes away the requirement for outdoor cameras, while still requiring camera systems indoors.

The idea to strengthen the alcohol license ordinance sprouted after the closure of Foxys Bar and the controversial denial of a license to hopeful business owner Troy Koput that followed. Koput had been trying to launch Deville's Lounge, but his license was denied in December.

Learn more about the ordinance.