Liquor Licenses Code
Table of Contents
2.01.001.
DEFINITIONS.
2.01.002.
LICENSE REQUIRED - PERIOD OF TIME.
2.01.003. LIQUOR
LICENSE CLASSIFICATION AND FEES.
2.01.004. SALE
OF FOOD REQUIRED.
2.01.005. NUMBER
OF LICENSES ALLOWED; POPULATION DETERMINATION.
2.01.006. LIMITED
LICENSES AVAILABLE.
2.01.007. WINE,
MALT BEVERAGES AND DISTILLED SPIRITS TASTINGS.
2.01.008. SUNDAY
LICENSE FOR CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, RELIGIOUS
SERVICE, OR VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS.
ARTICLE 2.02. LIQUOR LICENSE OFFICER; CHIEF OF
POLICE
2.02.001. LIQUOR
LICENSE OFFICER - APPOINTMENT.
2.02.002. LIQUOR
LICENSE OFFICER - POWERS AND DUTIES.
2.02.003. CHIEF
OF POLICE - POWER.
2.02.004. CHIEF
OF POLICE - DUTY.
2.02.005. CHIEF
OF POLICE AND LIQUOR LICENSE OFFICER - CONFLICT OF
INTEREST.
ARTICLE 2.03. LICENSEES
2.03.001. QUALIFICATIONS
OF LICENSEE.
2.03.002. PRIOR
LICENSES.
2.03.003. PARTNERSHIPS.
2.03.004. CORPORATIONS.
2.03.005. EMPLOYEES.
ARTICLE 2.04. LICENSE APPLICATION
2.04.001. WRITTEN
APPLICATION.
2.04.002. FINGERPRINTING.
2.04.003. MISREPRESENTATIONS.
2.04.004.
APPLICATION FEE.
2.04.005. INVESTIGATION
OF APPLICANTS.
ARTICLE 2.05. LICENSE
2.05.001. LICENSE
REQUIRED.
2.05.002. LIQUOR
LICENSE OFFICER APPROVAL REQUIRED.
2.05.003. STANDARDS
FOR ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.
2.05.004. NOTICE
AND CONSENT.
2.05.005. CONTENTS
OF LICENSE.
2.05.006. POSTING
OF LICENSE.
2.05.007. CHANGE
OF FACTS.
2.05.008. TRANSFERABILITY
OF LICENSE.
2.05.009. SALE
OR LEASE OF LICENSED PREMISES.
2.05.010. LICENSE,
REPLACEMENT OF.
2.05.011. RESPONSIBILITY
FOR ACTS OF EMPLOYEES.
2.05.012. LICENSE
NOT REQUIRED.
ARTICLE 2.06. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE
2.06.001. GROUNDS
FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION.
2.06.002. PROCEDURE.
2.06.003. EFFECT
OF REVOCATION; SUSPENSION.
ARTICLE 2.07. EMPLOYEE PERMITS
2.07.001. LIQUOR
LICENSE REQUIRED.
2.07.002. EMPLOYEE
PERMIT REQUIRED.
2.07.003. EMPLOYMENT
OF MINORS IN THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
ALLOWED - WHEN.
2.07.004. APPLICATION.
2.07.005. MISREPRESENTATIONS.
2.07.006. EFFECT
OF CONVICTION, PROBATION STATUS OR PRIOR REVOCATION.
2.07.007. TEMPORARY
PERMIT.
2.07.008. ISSUANCE
OF PERMIT.
2.07.009. RENEWAL
OF PERMIT.
2.07.010. CHANGE
OF EMPLOYMENT.
2.07.011. SUSPENSION
OR REVOCATION OF PERMIT.
2.07.012. PROHIBITED
ACTS.
2.07.013. LOSS
OF PERMIT.
ARTICLE 2.08. CATERER'S PERMITS
2.08.001. CATERER'S
PERMITS.
2.08.002. DELIVERY
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PERMITTED.
ARTICLE 2.09. MINORS
2.09.001. MINORS
- LIQUOR PURCHASES.
2.09.002. MINORS
- LIQUOR SALES.
2.09.003. MINORS
- LIQUOR ESTABLISHMENTS.
ARTICLE 2.10. CONDUCT OF LICENSED PREMISES
2.10.001. SALE
PROHIBITED.
2.10.002. TIMES
WHEN SALES ARE PROHIBITED.
2.10.003. SUNDAY
SALES.
2.10.004. PROHIBITED
BEVERAGES.
2.10.005. PREMISES
OPEN FOR INSPECTION.
2.10.006. MULTIPLE
BUSINESSES.
2.10.007. MULTIPLE
LOCATIONS.
2.10.008. GAMBLING
PROHIBITED.
2.10.009. LEWD
AND OBSCENE ACTIVITIES PROHIBITED.
2.10.010. ILLEGAL
ACTIVITIES.
2.10.011. SALES
TO PERSONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
PROHIBITED.
2.10.012. CONSUMPTION
BY EMPLOYEES PROHIBITED.
2.10.013. SOLICITATION
OF SALE PROHIBITED.
2.10.014. COMPLIANCE
WITH OTHER ORDINANCES AND LAWS.
2.10.015. POSSESSION
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES RESTRICTED.
2.10.016. CONSUMPTION
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE ON PREMISES MAY BE
PROHIBITED BY OWNER.
2.10.017
ANNEXED LICENSEE.
2.10.018. REMOVAL
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES FROM PREMISES PROHIBITED.
2.10.019. DISPENSING
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LIMITED.
2.10.020. SALE
OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE THROUGH DRIVE-UP WINDOW
PROHIBITED.
2.10.021. POSSESSION
OR CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON PUBLIC
PROPERTY PROHIBITED.
2.10.022. PURCHASE
FROM OTHER THAN LICENSED WHOLESALER.
2.10.023. SALE
BY WHOLESALER TO UNLICENSED RETAILER.
ARTICLE 2.11. APPEAL PROCESS
2.11.001. APPEAL
PROCESS.
ARTICLE 2.12. PENALTY
2.12.001. PENALTY.
2.12.002. LICENSE
AUTOMATICALLY REVOKED UPON CONVICTION.
2.12.003. INJUNCTION.
2.01.001. DEFINITIONS.
In this Chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE means any intoxicating liquor,
malt liquor or nonintoxicating beer.
AMUSEMENT DEVICE means any machine or device upon
which the insertion or payment of a coin, slug or disc may
be operated by the public generally for use as a game or
amusement, including but not limited to marble machines,
billiard tables, pinball machines, skill ball, mechanical
grab machines and other similar games.
CATERER means any person who, having a licensed
premise, furnishes provisions and service for use at a particular
function, occasion or event at a particular location other
than the licensed premises.
CHIEF OF POLICE means the Chief of Police of the
City or any duly authorized representative.
CHURCH means a building or structure regularly
and primarily used as a place of worship by any religious
society, organization or congregation, regardless of whether
or not such building or structure was originally designed
and constructed for such purpose.
CITY means the City of Independence, Missouri.
CLOSED PLACE means a place where all entrances
are locked and where no patrons are in the place or about
the premises.
CONVICTION means a conviction of a criminal offense
or a municipal ordinance violation, or a plea of guilty
or finding of guilty, whether or not sentence is imposed,
and regardless of the sentence imposed.
DEALER means any person involved in the manufacture,
distillation, brewing, distribution or sale of any alcoholic
beverage.
FESTIVAL means any musical festival, dance festival,
"rock" festival or similar musical activity likely
to attract five thousand or more people at such an activity
which will continue uninterrupted for a period of twelve
hours or more, at which music is provided by paid or amateur
performers or by prerecorded means, and which is held at
any place within this City, and to which members of the
public are invited or admitted for a charge. It shall not
include a county fair or youth fair approved by the Missouri
Department of Agriculture, or any activity conducted by
any current or future ongoing licensed business in a permanent
location.
FINANCIAL INTEREST as used in this chapter is defined
to mean all interest, legal or beneficial, direct or indirect,
in the capital devoted to the licensed enterprise and all
such interest in the net profits of the enterprise, after
the payment of reasonable and necessary operating business
expenses and taxes, including interest in dividends, preferred
dividends, interest and profits, directly or indirectly
paid as compensation for, or in consideration of interest
in, or for use of, the capital devoted to the enterprise,
or for property or money advanced, loaned or otherwise made
available to the enterprise, except by way of ordinary commercial
credit or bona fide bank credit not in excess of credit
customarily granted by banking institutions, whether paid
as dividends, interest or profits, or in the guise of royalties,
commissions, salaries, or any other form whatsoever. Service
as a member of the board of directors of a corporation,
the stock of which is traded on the New York or American
Stock Exchange, or NASDAQ, or ownership of less than ten
(10) percent of the outstanding shares in such corporation
shall not constitute a financial interest in such corporation
or a subsidiary thereof.
FRONT means the part of the building or structure
where the principal entrance of the building or structure
affording access to the premises for the public opens upon
the street.
HOSPITAL means a place devoted primarily to the
maintenance and operation of facilities for the diagnosis,
treatment or care for not less than twenty-four hours in
any week of three or more non-related individuals suffering
from illness, disease, injury, deformity or other abnormal
physical conditions; or a place devoted primarily to provide
for not less than twenty-four hours in any week medical
or nursing care for three or more non-related individuals.
INTOXICATING LIQUOR means alcohol for beverage
purposes, alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, fermented, malt
or other liquors or combination of liquors a part of which
is spirituous, vinous or fermented, and all preparations
or mixtures for beverage purposes containing in excess of
one-half of one percent of alcohol by volume, except for
nonintoxicating beer. All beverages having an alcoholic
content of less than one-half of one percent by volume shall
be exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
LICENSEE means the holder of any license issued
under the provisions of this chapter.
LIGHT WINE means any alcoholic beverage manufactured
from grapes, berries and other fruits and vegetables containing
not in excess of fourteen percent of alcohol by weight.
LIQUOR LICENSE means the license that every person
must obtain from the Liquor License Officer before engaging
in or continuing to engage in the business of manufacturing,
distilling, brewing, distributing or selling at wholesale
or retail any alcoholic beverages within the City.
LIQUOR LICENSE OFFICER means the individual(s)
so appointed by the City
MALT LIQUOR means any beverage manufactured from
pure hops or pure barley malt or wholesome grains or cereals
and wholesome yeast and pure water, containing alcohol in
excess of three and two-tenths percent by weight and not
in excess of five percent by weight.
MANAGING OFFICER means the person who is in active
management and control of the premises who is eligible as
an individual to receive a license for the sale of alcoholic
beverages; and is a resident of the State of Missouri, or
for corporations having more than one business location
in Independence or businesses in other communities in Missouri
the managing officer shall be that person so designated
by the corporation, notwithstanding the above provision
for active management and control of premises.
NON-INTOXICATING BEER means any beer manufactured
from pure hops or pure extracts of hops and pure barley
malt or other wholesome grains or cereals and wholesome
yeast and pure water and free from all harmful substances,
preservatives and adulterants and having an alcoholic content
of more than one-half of one percent by volume and not exceeding
three and two-tenths percent by weight.
ORIGINAL PACKAGE means any package containing three
or more original manufacturer containers of twelve ounces
or less each of non-intoxicating beer or malt liquor; one
or more original manufacturer containers in excess of twelve
ounces of non-intoxicating beer or malt liquor; one hundred
(100) milliliters (3.4 ounces) or more of wine or light
wine in the manufacturer's original container; or fifty
(50) milliliters (1.7 ounces) or more of any other alcoholic
beverage. A standard bottle of malt liquor is any bottle
or can containing twelve (12) ounces or less.
PERMITTEE means the holder of an employee's permit
issued under the provisions of this chapter.
PERSON means and shall include any individual,
association, club, organization, joint stock company, syndicate,
co-partnership, corporation, receiver, trustee, conservator
or other officer appointed by any State or Federal court.
PREMISES means the place where intoxicating liquor
or nonintoxicating beer is sold or consumed and it may be
one (1) room, a building comprising several rooms, or a
building with adjacent surrounding land such as a lot or
garden.
RESTAURANT BAR means an establishment having a
restaurant or similar facility on the premises, at least
fifty percent of the gross annual income of which is derived
from the sale of prepared food or meals consumed on premises;
or which has an annual income of at least Two Hundred Thousand
Dollars from the sale of prepared meals or food consumed
on such premises.
RETAILER means a person holding a license to sell
or to offer to sell alcoholic beverages to consumer only.
SALE BY THE DRINK means:
1. For malt liquor or non-intoxicating beer, less
than three standard bottles of malt liquor or non-intoxicating
beer.
2. For intoxicating liquor, any quantity less than
one hundred eighty-seven milliliters. Any container from
which such sale is made shall be emptied in every case and
the contents of such container served as other intoxicating
liquors that are sold by the drink.
SCHOOL means any building that is regularly used
as a public, private or parochial elementary school, high
school, college, university, professional school, business
or secretarial school.
SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITIES OF FOOD means the amount
of prepared meals or food consumed on the premises the sale
of which accounts for at least fifty percent of an establishment's
gross income as derived during the three most recent preceding
calendar months.
WHOLESALER means a person holding a license to
sell alcoholic beverages to wholesalers or to retailers.
WINE means a vinous liquor produced by fermentation
of juices of grapes, berries, or other fruits or a preparation
of certain vegetables by fermentation, and containing alcohol
not in excess of twenty-two percent (22%) by volume.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.002. LICENSE REQUIRED
- PERIOD OF TIME.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture,
sell or expose for sale in the City any alcoholic beverage
in any quantity, without taking out a license. Any business
which is not located within the corporate limits of the
City whose business is solely to deliver alcoholic beverages
within the City shall not be required to pay a liquor license
fee but shall be subject to other regulations and restrictions
as provided by this chapter.
B. A license shall be issued for a term expiring
with the thirtieth day of June next succeeding the date
of issuance of such license. When a license to manufacture,
brew, sell or distribute alcoholic beverages is applied
for and issued after December 31st in any year, the person
applying for the license shall pay a license fee equal to
one-half of the annual fee. All renewal applications shall
be submitted to the Liquor License Officer on the proper
forms on or before May 31st of each year. A penalty of One
Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per license will be assessed on
renewal applications received after May 31st. Failure of
a licensee to make a renewal application on or before June
30th shall be considered to constitute abandonment and the
license shall be forfeited upon expiration.
C. A separate license shall be required for each
place of business. Every license issued under the provisions
of this chapter shall particularly describe the premises
at which alcoholic beverages may be sold thereunder, and
such license shall not be deemed to authorize or permit
the sale of alcoholic beverages at any place other than
that described therein.
D. It shall be unlawful for a person to continue
to hold an alcoholic beverage license when conditions have
occurred which would render the continued use of such license
or the licensed premises unlawful under the provisions of
this chapter and it shall be the duty of the licensee to
surrender the license to the City.
E. If the Liquor License Officer has reason to
believe that any person to whom a license was issued for
the current year, or any licensee who has filed a renewal
application, has discontinued or abandoned the liquor establishment
for which said license was issued, said Officer may hold
a hearing after five (5) days' written notice to the person
to whom the license was issued for the current license year
at his or her last known address, for the purpose of determining
whether said liquor establishment has been discontinued
or abandoned. If the Liquor License Officer shall determine
from the evidence presented at said hearing that the liquor
establishment has been discontinued or abandoned for a period
of one (1) year or less and if said discontinuance or abandonment
is satisfactorily explained to the Liquor License Officer,
said Officer may, at his or her discretion, renew any license
that has lapsed or become inactive; provided further, that
the licensee pay the license fee from June 30, based on
the classification of the license that is to be restored
and the $100 late penalty.
If the licensee fails to respond to such notice
or if, having responded to such notice, the licensee fails
to satisfactorily explain to the Liquor License Officer
the discontinuance or abandonment of the establishment,
the Liquor License Officer shall revoke or refuse to renew
the license. At any such hearing provided for above, the
licensee shall have full right to be heard and to be represented
by counsel.
F. No person at least twenty-one (21) years of
age shall be required to obtain a license to manufacture
intoxicating liquor or non-intoxicating beer for personal
or family use The aggregate amount of intoxicating liquor
or non-intoxicating beer manufactured shall not exceed two
hundred (200) gallons per calendar year if there are two
or more persons over the age of twenty-one (21) in such
household, or one hundred gallons (100) gallons per calendar
year if there is only one person over the age of twenty-one
in such household.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.003. LIQUOR LICENSE
CLASSIFICATION AND FEES.
The following classes of liquor licenses and the
fee for each such license issued under the provisions of
this chapter are hereby established for the manufacturing,
distilling, brewing, distributing or selling at wholesale
or retail any alcoholic beverages within the City:
A. Wholesaler of Intoxicating Liquor
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $750
3. Activities Allowed: Sale of intoxicating liquor
to retailers or other wholesalers, but not directly to the
public.
B. Wholesaler of Malt Liquor, Nonintoxicating Beer
and Intoxicating Liquor Not in Excess of Twenty-Two Percent
by Weight
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $300
3. Activities Allowed: Sale of malt liquor, nonintoxicating
beer and intoxicating liquor not in excess of twenty-two
percent by weight to retailers or other wholesalers, but
not directly to the public.
C. Wholesaler of Malt Liquor
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 10,000 population
2. License Fee: $150
3. Activities Allowed: Sale of malt liquor to retailers
or other wholesalers, but not directly to the public.
D. Manufacturer/Distiller of Intoxicating Liquor
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $675
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of Intoxicating liquor to retailers or
other wholesalers, but not directly to the public.
b. Manufacture, distillation or blending of intoxicating
liquor and sale to wholesalers or retailers, but not directly
to the public.
E. Manufacturer/Distiller of Non-intoxicating Beer
and Malt Liquor
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $375
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer and malt liquor
to retailers or other wholesalers, but not directly to the
public.
b. Manufacture, distillation or blending of non-intoxicating
beer and malt liquor and sale to F. Manufacturer/Distiller
of Intoxicating Liquor not in Excess of 22% by Weight.
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $300
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of intoxicating liquor not in excess of
22% by weight to retailers or other wholesalers, but not
directly to the public.
b. Manufacture, distillation or blending of intoxicating
liquor not in excess of 22% by weight and sale to wholesalers
or retailers, but not directly to the public.
G. Retailer of Non-intoxicating Beer in Original
Package
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $22.50
3. Activities Allowed: Sale of non-intoxicating
beer in the original package for consumption off premises.
4. Limited to the Following Specific Businesses:
package liquor store, drug store, cigar and tobacco store,
confectionery, delicatessen, grocery store or general merchandise
store. Such business must have and keep in the store a stock
of goods having a value according to invoices of at least
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), exclusive of fixtures and
alcoholic beverages.
H. Retailer of Non-intoxicating Beer by the Drink
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 20,000 population
2. License Fee: $37.50
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises.
b. Sale of non-intoxicating beer by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
I. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine in the
Original Package
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 4,000 population
2. License Fee: $22.50
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises. b. Sale of malt liquor
in the original package for consumption off the premises.
c. Sale of light wine in the original package for
consumption off the premises.
J. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine in the
Original Package - Sunday Sales
1. Available only to persons holding a license
as a Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine in the Original
Package
2. Additional License Fee: $300.00
K. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine by the
Drink
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 3,500 population
2. License Fee: $52.50
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises.
b. Sale of non-intoxicating beer by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
c. Sale of malt liquor in the original package
for consumption off the premises.
d. Sale of malt liquor by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
e. Sale of light wine in the original package for
consumption off the premises.
f. Sale of light wine by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
L. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine by the
Drink - Sunday Sales
1. Available only to persons holding a license
as a Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine by the Drink
2. Additional License Fee: $300.00
3. Sale of Food Required: At least fifty percent
(50%) of the gross income of the business must come from
the sale of prepared food or meals consumed on the premises,
or the business must have an annual income of at least Two
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) from the sale of prepared
meals or food consumed on the premises.
M. Retailer of Intoxicating Liquor in the Original
Package
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 1,950 population
2. License Fee: $150.00
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises.
b. Sale of malt liquor in the original package
for consumption off the premises.
c. Sale of light wine in the original package for
consumption off the premises.
d. Sale of intoxicating liquor in the original
package for consumption off premises.
4. Limited to the Following Specific Businesses:
package liquor store, drug store, cigar and tobacco store,
confectionery, delicatessen, grocery store or general merchandise
store. Such business must have and keep in the store a stock
of goods having a value according to invoices of at least
One Thousand Dollars ($1,000), exclusive of fixtures and
alcoholic beverages.
N. Retailer of Intoxicating Liquor in the Original
Package - Sunday Sales
1. Available only to persons holding a license
as a Retailer of Intoxicating Liquor in the Original Package
2. Additional License Fee: #300.00
O. Retailer of Intoxicating Liquor by the Drink
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: 1 per 4,700 population
Exception: There is no limit on the number of licenses
for sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink which may be
issued to country clubs and golf courses (except miniature
golf courses or practice driving tees); or to hotels, motels,
inns, lodges, or similar places providing principally transient
residential accommodations and having at least forty (40)
rooms for overnight accommodations.
2. License Fee: $450.00 3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises.
b. Sale of non-intoxicating beer by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
c. Sale of malt liquor in the original package
for consumption off the premises.
d. Sale of malt liquor by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
e. Sale of light wine in the original package for
consumption off the premises.
f. Sale of light wine by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
g. Sale of intoxicating liquor in the original
package for consumption off the premises.
h. Sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
P. Restaurant Bar
1. Number of Licenses Allowed: No Limit
2. License Fee: $450.00
3. Activities Allowed:
a. Sale of non-intoxicating beer in the original
package for consumption off premises.
b. Sale of non-intoxicating beer by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
c. Sale of malt liquor in the original package
for consumption off the premises.
d. Sale of malt liquor by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
e. Sale of light wine in the original package for
consumption off the premises.
f. Sale of light wine by the drink for consumption
on the premises.
g. Sale of intoxicating liquor in the original
package for consumption off the premises.
h. Sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink for
consumption on the premises.
4. Sale of Food Required: At least fifty percent
(50%) of the gross income of the business must come from
the sale of prepared food or meals consumed on the premises,
or the business must have an annual income of at least Two
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000) from the sale of prepared
food or meals consumed on the premises.
Q. Restaurant Bar - Sunday Sales
1. Available only to persons holding a license
as a Restaurant Bar
2. Additional License Fee: $300.00
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.004. SALE OF FOOD
REQUIRED.
When the sale of food is required for a specified
license, the following conditions must be met:
1. The application for a license shall be accompanied
by a statement that verifies that at least fifty (50%) percent
of the gross income of the restaurant for the preceding
twelve months came from the sale of prepared food or meals
consumed on the premises, or that the restaurant has an
annual income of at least Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00)
from the sale of prepared food or meals consumed on such
premises.
2. In the event such restaurant has not been in
operation at least twelve months, a statement shall be submitted
ninety days after the date of issuance of a license that
verifies that at least fifty percent (50%) of the gross
income of such restaurant during the preceding ninety day
period came from the sale of prepared food or meals consumed
on the premises or the restaurant can show a projection
of annual business from prepared food or meals consumed
on premises of at least Two Hundred Thousand Dollars. If
such statement does not show that at least fifty percent
(50%) of the gross income of such restaurant came from the
sale of prepared food or meals consumed on the premises
or the projection of annual sales of prepared food or meals
consumed on the premises would be at least Two Hundred Thousand
Dollars ($200,000.00), the license shall be revoked by the
Liquor License Officer, provided, however, that such license
may, in the discretion of the Liquor License Officer, be
allowed to remain in effect for a maximum period of two
months to allow the restaurant an opportunity to raise its
gross income from the sale of prepared food or meals consumed
on the premises to meet one of the above stated requirements.
The food sales will then be determined with the two month
period included as a portion of the previously stated criteria
and failure to raise the food sales consumed on the premises
to one of the above stated requirements for the preceding
twelve months or ninety days, whichever is applicable, by
the end of the two month period shall render said license
null and void at that time. The verifications required under
this section may be provided by a certified public accountant,
a public accountant, auditor, comptroller, or bookkeeper,
given under oath and notarized.
3. The City reserves the right to require a statement
by a certified public accountant certifying that at least
fifty percent (50%) of gross income of the licensee came
from the sale of prepared food or meals consumed on the
premises, or that at least Two Hundred Thousand Dollars
($200,000.00) came from the sale of prepared meals or food
consumed on such premises; provided, however, that such
requests are limited to one per licensing year.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.005. NUMBER OF LICENSES
ALLOWED; POPULATION DETERMINATION.
A. The number of licenses allowed, as shown in
Section 2.01.003, above, indicates the number of residents,
or major fraction thereof, within the corporate limits of
the City which are required for the issuance of one license.
B. The determination of the population of the City
for the purpose of issuance of liquor licenses shall be
the most recent estimate of the Community Development Department
as approved by resolution by the City Council, and, upon
such estimate, the Liquor License Officer may increase or
decrease the number of licenses to be issued under this
Chapter.
C. When the Liquor License Officer finds that the
population of the City, as determined by the City Council,
has declined, and the number of licenses allowed in any
category will decrease on account of such population decline,
current license holders will be eligible for renewal of
their license as long as they continue in business in compliance
with all provisions of the City Code. The business must
be operating under a current and valid license on the effective
date of the City Council action setting the City's population
and continue in active operation in order to maintain their
protected status.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.006. LIMITED LICENSES
AVAILABLE.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter,
a limited license may be issued as set out below.
A. Intoxicating Liquor and Non-intoxicating Beer
by the Drink.
1. Limitations:
a. Shall be issued only to a church, school, civic,
service, fraternal, veteran, political or charitable club
or organization.
b. Shall allow the consumption of intoxicating
liquor and non-intoxicating Beer by the drink only at a
picnic, bazaar, fair, cultural event or similar gathering.
c. Shall be issued only for the day or days named
therein. It shall not authorize the sale of intoxicating
liquor and non-intoxicating beer for more than seven days
by any organization.
d. If the event will be held on a Sunday, the permit
may authorize the sale of intoxicating liquor and non-intoxicating
Beer on that day beginning at 11:00 a.m. and ending at midnight.
e. Shall include physical boundaries to restrict
access to licensed premises.
f. Licensed premises shall not be allowed within
three hundred (300) feet of children's carnival or rides
occurring in conjunction with picnic, bazaar, fair, cultural
event or similar gathering.
2. License Fee: $37.50
B. Fourth of July Celebrations.
1. Limitations:
a. Shall be issued only to a church, school, civic,
service, fraternal, veteran, political or charitable club
or organization.
b. Shall authorize the sale of malt liquor and
light wine at an event held to commemorate the anniversary
of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the
United States.
c. Shall be issued only during the period from
June fifteenth to July fifteenth annually and only for the
day or days named therein and it shall not authorize the
sale of malt liquor and light wine except between the hours
of 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. on Sunday) and midnight and for
not more than seven days by any such organization.
d. The license may be issued to cover more than
one place of sale within the general confines of the place
where the gathering or event is held.
e. No license shall be issued to any organization
which selects or restricts the membership thereof on the
basis of race, religion, color, creed or place of national
origin.
2. License Fee: $150.00
C. No provisions of this chapter shall prohibit
any wholesaler or distributor from providing customary storage,
cooling, or dispensing equipment for use by the holder of
the license at any picnic, bazaar, fair, or similar gathering.
D. Persons involved in the dispensing and/or sale
of non-intoxicating beer, malt liquor or light wine by the
drink under a temporary license, without pay, are exempt
from the requirement to obtain an Employee's Permit Card
if they meet appropriate age and other requirements.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.007. WINE, MALT BEVERAGES
AND DISTILLED SPIRITS TASTINGS.
A. Any person who is licensed to sell intoxicating
liquor in the original package at retail under this chapter
may apply to the Liquor License Officer for a special license
to conduct wine, malt beverages and distilled spirits tastings
on the licensed premises. The fee for such license shall
be Thirty-Seven and 50/100 Dollars ($37.50).
B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to
permit the licensee to sell wine, malt beverages or distilled
spirits for on-premises consumption.
C. Licensee shall comply with administrative requirements
developed by the Liquor License Officer.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.008. SUNDAY LICENSE
FOR CHARITABLE, FRATERNAL, RELIGIOUS SERVICE, OR VETERANS'
ORGANIZATIONS.
A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
chapter to the contrary, any charitable, fraternal, religious,
service or veterans' organization which has obtained an
exemption from the payment of Federal income taxes as provided
in section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8),
501(c)(10), 501(c)(19), or 501(d) of the United States Internal
Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, which possesses a license
which allows the sale of intoxicating liquor by the drink
for consumption on the premises, may apply to the Liquor
License Officer for a special license to sell intoxicating
liquor between the hours of 11:00 A.M. on Sunday and midnight
on Sunday by the drink at retail for consumption on the
premises described in the application. In addition to all
other fees required by this chapter, an organization obtaining
a special license under this section shall pay an additional
fee of Three Hundred Dollars ($300) a year, payable at the
same time and in the same manner as its other license fees.
B. If any charitable, fraternal, religious, service,
or veteran's organization has a license to sell intoxicating
liquor on its premises pursuant to this section and such
premises includes two or more buildings in close proximity,
such license shall be valid for the sale of intoxicating
liquor at any such building.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.01.009 - 2.01.999. RESERVED.
2.02.001. LIQUOR LICENSE
OFFICER - APPOINTMENT.
There is hereby established the position of Liquor
License Officer which officer shall be appointed by the
City Manager.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.02.002. LIQUOR LICENSE
OFFICER - POWERS AND DUTIES
The Liquor License Officer shall exercise all powers
as they relate to the administration of this chapter, with
respect to the processing of applications for liquor licenses,
applications for employee permits, issuance of liquor licenses,
issuance of employee permits and shall:
1. Prescribe all forms for applications, liquor
licenses and employee permits in compliance with the provisions
of this chapter.
2. Process liquor license applications and employee
permit applications.
3. Keep a record of all liquor licenses and employee
permits issued and of the suspension and revocation of any
liquor license or employee permit.
4. Make a full and complete report of all business
to the City Manager at the end of each fiscal year.
5. Investigate and determine the eligibility of
any applicant for a liquor license or employee permit as
described in this chapter and submit all applications for
liquor licenses and employee permits to interested City
officials for their reports as to compliance by the applicant
with all City regulations.
6. Notify any applicant of the acceptance or rejection
of said application.
7. Make such reasonable rules, regulations, orders
and directions as may be necessary and feasible for carrying
out the duties of the Liquor License Officer which are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.
8. Examine the books and records of any applicant
or licensee when reasonably necessary to determine the eligibility
of the person applying for a license or a license renewal,
or to determine that the provisions of this chapter have
been fully complied with by such applicant or licensee.
9. Hold hearings concerning the suspension or revocation
of employee permits.
10. Approve, suspend or revoke employee permits
as further set out in this chapter.
11. Recommended approval of liquor licenses.
12. Suspend or revoke liquor licenses and approve,
suspend or revoke employee permits, as further set out in
this chapter.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.02.003. CHIEF OF POLICE
- POWER.
The Chief of Police and any designated employee
shall have the authority to:
1. Make arrests and to serve any process connected
with the enforcement of this chapter, provided, however,
that said designated employees carry credentials showing
their authority.
2. Inspect the premises of any licensee including
all rooms, cellars, outbuildings and yards used in connection
with the operation of the business at any reasonable time,
without warrant, and the acceptance of the license by the
licensee under this chapter shall be construed as a waiver
by the licensee of any constitutional provisions concerning
search and seizure.
3. Seize any and all objects that may appear to
be in violation of any provision of this chapter and hold
in custody such objects as evidence until any matter pertaining
thereto is finally adjudicated. Upon such seizure, a receipt
shall be issued to the person from whom the objects were
seized and upon demand, if not forfeited, such objects shall
be returned to their lawful owner in the manner provided
by Section 8.06.008 of the Code of the City of Independence,
Missouri.
4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this
chapter, the Chief of Police shall have power to close for
a period not to exceed twenty-four hours any premises that
shall be in the immediate area of a mob, riot, strike or
any type of violence, actual or probable; provided, however,
that said Chief of Police shall not close such place under
such circumstances without advising at the earliest possible
moment the City Manager; and provided further that the Chief
of Police shall not close such place for two or more consecutive
twenty-four hour periods without approval of the City Manager
or acting under the emergency police powers of the City.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.02.004. CHIEF OF POLICE
- DUTY.
It shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to:
1. Exercise all duties and powers relating to the
enforcement of this chapter.
2. Cause to be inspected regularly all places of
business where alcoholic beverages are sold or kept for
sale.
3. Report any condition in such places of business
which may be in violation of any other City ordinance to
the director of the department charged with enforcement
of that ordinance, who shall then take appropriate measures
to secure full compliance of said licensee with the applicable
ordinance.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.02.005. CHIEF OF POLICE
AND LIQUOR LICENSE OFFICER - CONFLICT OF
INTEREST.
The Chief of Police and the Liquor License Officer
and their appointees, agents, assistants and inspectors
administering and enforcing the provisions of this chapter
shall not have any financial interest in or on any premises
where alcoholic beverages are distilled, brewed, manufactured
or sold; nor shall they have any interest, directly or indirectly,
in any business wholly or partially devoted to the distilling,
brewing, manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages; nor
shall they, directly or indirectly, engage in dealing in
or distilling, brewing, manufacturing or selling alcoholic
beverages, either as owner, part owner, partner, members
of a syndicate, shareholders of a corporation, agents or
employees, either for their benefit or in a fiduciary capacity.
The Chief of Police and the Liquor License Officer and their
appointees, agents, assistants or inspectors shall not accept
any compensation, reward or gift other than a designated
salary and expenses as provided by the City of Independence.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.02.006 - 2.02.999 RESERVED.
2.03.001. QUALIFICATIONS
OF LICENSEE.
A person desiring to obtain a liquor license must
demonstrate that he/she:
1. Will be actively engaged in the actual control
and management of the premises for which the liquor license
is sought, except as otherwise provided in this Article.
2. Is at least twenty-one years of age.
3. Is a qualified legal voter.
4. Holds an alcoholic beverage license of the type
applied for from the State of Missouri, prior to final issuance
of the license applied for from the City.
5. Has not been convicted of a violation of the
provisions of any law applicable to the manufacture or sale
of alcoholic beverages, and has not had a license to manufacture,
distribute or sell alcoholic beverages revoked, within the
three years prior to submission of the applicant's application
for a license under this chapter.
6. Is not in arrears to the City for any back taxes,
license fees or permit fees, court fines, or judgments.
7. Has not accepted directly or indirectly any
loans, equipment, money, credit or property of any kind,
except ordinary commercial credit as such term is defined
in the Rules and Regulations of the Supervisor of Liquor
Control of the State of Missouri, as from time to time amended.
8. Possesses a Certificate of Occupancy issued
by the Building Official for the proposed use of the Building
to be occupied as the licensed premises.
9. Holds a current City of Independence Occupation
License issued for the operation of the licensed premises.
Nothing in this section shall prevent the issuance
of licenses to non-residents of Missouri or foreign corporations
for the privilege of selling to duly licensed wholesalers
and soliciting orders for the sale of alcoholic beverages
to, by or through a duly licensed wholesaler, within this
State.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.03.002. PRIOR LICENSES.
A. No person, partnership or corporation shall
be qualified for a license under this Chapter if such person,
any member of such partnership, the managing officer of
such corporation, or any officer, director or any stockholder
owning, legally or beneficially, directly or indirectly,
ten percent (10%) or more of the stock of such corporation,
or other financial interest therein, or ten percent (10%)
or more of the interest in the business for which the person,
partnership or corporation is licensed has had a license
revoked under this Chapter.
B. No person, partnership or corporation shall
be qualified for a license under this Chapter if any person
employed in the business licensed under this chapter shall
have had a license revoked under this chapter, or shall
have been convicted of violating the provisions of any law
applicable to the manufacture or sale of intoxicating liquor,
within the three years immediately preceding the application
for the license, or shall have been convicted or any crime
the conviction or sentencing on which is reasonably related
to the competency of the person to exercise the right or
privilege granted by the license.
C. No license issued under this chapter shall be
denied, suspended, revoked or otherwise affected based solely
on the fact that an employee of the licensee has been convicted
of a felony unrelated to the manufacture or sale of intoxicating
liquor so long as any such employee does not directly participate
in retail sales of intoxicating liquor.
D. No license will be issued to the spouse, child(ren),
step-child(ren), parent(s), step-parent(s), son-in-law or
daughter-in-law, employee or other person having any interest
in the business of a licensee whose license has been revoked,
for the privilege of doing business at the same location
as the location of the establishment whose license was revoked,
where such revocation would disqualify the licensee from
obtaining a license under this Chapter.
E. The Liquor License Officer shall require all
applicants for licenses to file written statements, under
oath, containing the information reasonably required to
administer this section. Statements by applicants for licenses
as wholesalers and retailers shall set out, with other information
required, full information concerning the residence of all
persons financially interested in the business to be licensed
as required by regulation. All material changes in the information
filed shall be promptly reported to the Liquor License Officer.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.03.003. PARTNERSHIPS.
A. No license provided for in this Chapter shall
be issued to any partnership unless all members of the partnership
are persons who would be eligible for licenses as individuals
under the provisions of this Chapter, and no such license
shall be issued to any partnership, any partner of which
has been the holder of a license or permit that has been
revoked.
B. Whenever a partnership holding a liquor license
under the provisions of this Chapter makes application for
a change in partners, a charge of $50.00 shall be made for
each such application.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.03.004. CORPORATIONS.
A. Corporations licensed under the provisions of
this Chapter must have a managing officer. In order to qualify,
the managing officer must be a person in the corporation's
employ, either as officer or an employee who is vested with
the general control and superintendence of a whole, or a
particular part of, the corporation's business at a particular
place. In the event the office of the managing officer of
a corporation becomes vacant, it will be necessary for the
corporation to secure a qualified managing officer within
fifteen (15) days after the vacancy occurs.
B. No license provided for in this Chapter shall
be issued to any corporation unless the managing officers
of such corporation are persons who would be eligible for
licenses as individuals under the provisions of this Chapter.
C. Managing officers of corporations with more
than one business location in Independence, shall maintain
at all times with the Liquor License Officer a current letter
designating the person in control and management of each
licensed business location within the corporate limits of
Independence.
D. Whenever a corporation holding a liquor license
under the provisions of this Chapter makes application for
a change of managing officers, a charge of $50.00 shall
be made for each such application.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.03.005. EMPLOYEES.
A. No licensee shall employ on or about the licensed
premises any person who: (1) has been convicted of a violation
of the provisions of any law applicable to the manufacture
or sale of alcoholic beverages; (2) has had a license revoked
under Chapter 311 or 312, RSMo., when such conviction or
revocation has occurred within the three years immediately
preceding the employee's employment by the licensee; or
(3) has had a license revoked under this Chapter.
B. No retail licensee shall employ on or about
the licensed premises any felon or prostitute, except that
licensees may employ persons convicted of a felony unrelated
to the manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages so long
as any such felon does not directly participate in retail
sales of alcoholic beverages, by accepting payment, taking
orders, delivering, mixing or assisting in mixing or serving
alcoholic beverages in the capacity of, but not limited
to, bar manager, bartender, waiter, waitress, cashier and
sales clerk.
C. No person holding a license to brew, manufacture
or sell non-intoxicating beer shall employ any person whose
permit or license has been revoked, or who has been convicted
of violating the provisions of any law applicable to the
manufacture or sale of alcoholic beverages, within the three
years immediately preceding the employment of the employee
by the licensee, or who shall have been convicted of any
crime the conviction of, or sentencing on, which is reasonably
related to the competency of the person to exercise the
right or privilege granted by the license.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.03.006 - 2.03.999 RESERVED.
2.04.001. WRITTEN APPLICATION.
A. The following provisions shall apply to applications
for a license under this Chapter:
1. Application must be made under oath and on the
forms prescribed and provided by the Liquor License Officer.
2. Licenses will be processed in the order in which
the applications are received by the Liquor License Officer.
3. Except as further set out in this chapter, no
applicant may conduct any business for which an application
for a license has been submitted until such license is finally
granted, and no agent of the City has any right or authority
to authorize any applicant to do so.
B. If application is made by a partnership, the
application shall set out the names and residences of all
the partners, whether they be active or silent partners.
All partners shall sign the application.
C. Every applicant for a license to sell alcoholic
beverages at retail must present the following with his/her
application:
1. There must be attached securely to the application
a recent photograph or clear snapshot of the individual(s)
signing the application.
2. If application is being made for an original
package license, an affidavit must be submitted which is
signed by the individual owner; all of the partners, if
a partnership; or the managing officer of a corporation,
if a corporation, which states:
a. The type of business in connection with which
the license is to be used;
b. That the applicant has and at all times keeps
in his/her store a stock of goods having a value according
to invoices of at least One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00),
exclusive of fixtures and alcoholic beverages.
3. A recent photograph approximately the size of
an ordinary postcard of the exterior of the premises sought
to be licensed shall be attached to the application.
4. Every applicant shall submit a copy of his/her
personal property tax receipt for the year immediately preceding
the date of the application from the county in which they
reside showing that all taxes owed for the year immediately
preceding the application by the applicant, all partners
if the applicant is a partnership, and the managing officer
of the corporation, if the applicant is a corporation, have
been paid. In lieu of such receipt, the applicant may provide
an affidavit of the county or city assessor where the applicant
resides, or, if applicant is a corporation where the managing
officer of the corporation resides, stating that applicant
or the managing officer of the corporation, if a corporation,
owns property for which she/he is legally subject and liable
for taxation in the county, town, city or village where
applicant or, if a corporation, the managing officer of
the applicant, resides in Missouri.
5. Each applicant for a license shall submit, before
final issuance of a license under this Chapter, a copy of
his/her license of the same type issued by the State of
Missouri Director of Revenue.
6. A criminal history record information (CHRI)
report on each applicant, obtained from the Missouri State
Highway Patrol. A CHRI shall be obtained for each partner
in a partnership, and the managing officer, directors and
officers of a corporation.
D. The Liquor License Officer may waive the requirement
of any information, and may require any additional information,
as may be consistent with the purposes of this Chapter and
will assist the Officer in the performance of his/her duties
as set out herein.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.04.002. FINGERPRINTING.
If the Liquor License Officer has reason to believe
that an applicant has a criminal record he/she may require
that the applicant submit to being fingerprinted to ascertain
if the applicant has been convicted of any crime.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.04.003. MISREPRESENTATIONS.
No license shall be granted to an applicant unless
she/he makes full, true and complete answers to all questions
in the application. If any applicant shall make any false
statement in his/her application, it shall be cause for
suspension or revocation of any license issued pursuant
to the application.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.04.004. APPLICATION FEE.
Each application for a license shall be accompanied
by the appropriate application fee which shall be an amount
equal to fifty percent (50%) of the license fee. This application
fee is not refundable, but shall be applied to the license
fee in the event that a license is issued.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.04.005. INVESTIGATION
OF APPLICANTS.
A. The Liquor License Officer shall cause an immediate
investigation to be made of the statements contained in
each application for a new license as well as the background
of the person applying for the license. The suitability
of the location and surrounding conditions of the proposed
premises also shall be investigated.
B. Upon receipt of an application, the Liquor License
Officer shall forward to the Chief of Police a copy of said
application. The Chief of Police shall furnish to the Liquor
License Officer a copy of the applicant's record of convictions
with the City.
C. The Liquor License Officer upon receipt of a
new license application shall request that City staff inspect
the premises, including the equipment and furnishings therein,
or review the application to determine if the premises is
in compliance with all the requirements of applicable City
ordinances. The Liquor License Officer may also request
that City staff inspect or review a licensee based on the
Liquor License Officer's reasonable belief that the licensed
premises is in violation of a provision of the City ordinances.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.04.006 - 2.04.999 RESERVED.
2.05.001. LICENSE REQUIRED.
No person shall manufacture or brew for sale, or
sell or expose for sale within the City any alcoholic beverage,
in any quantity, without taking out a license.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.002. CITY COUNCIL
APPROVAL REQUIRED.
A. Only the City Council may approve an application
for a license as provided by this Chapter, except as provided
in paragraph C, below.
B. Licenses granted under the terms of this Chapter
shall be signed by the Presiding Officer of the City Council
and City Clerk and countersigned by the Liquor License Officer
and the Director of Finance. The City Clerk shall affix
the seal of the City to the license.
C. Upon proper application and payment of the required
fee, the following licenses may be issued by the Liquor
Control Officer without Council approval:
1. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine in the
Original Package - Sunday Sales.
2. Retailer of Malt Liquor and Light Wine by the
Drink - Sunday Sales.
3. Retailer of Intoxicating Liquor in the Original
Package - Sunday Sales.
4. Restaurant/Bar - Sunday Sales.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.003. STANDARDS FOR
ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.
A. In reviewing the said application, the City
Council shall consider:
1. Whether the proposed premises is within three
hundred feet (300') of any R-E, R-I, R-1a, R-1b, R-2 or
R-3 zoning district, and if so, whether the proposed licensed
operation would cause a nuisance or change in the character
of the residential area. ln this context the Liquor License
Officer shall consider exterior lighting, noise, traffic
and parking, as well as any other relevant characteristic
of the proposed premises.
2. The proximity of the proposed premises to a
school, church, hospital, public park, playground, library,
or museum.
3. The number of licenses within one thousand five
hundred feet (1,500') of the proposed location.
4. The type of licenses existing within one thousand
five hundred feet (1,500') of the proposed location and
the type of license applied for.
5. The type of business or commercial uses within
one thousand five hundred feet (1,500') of the proposed
premises and the general character and intensity of uses
permitted by the Zoning Ordinance within the locality.
B. The Liquor License Officer may request any department
or agency of the City to provide data, information, opinions
or recommendations which will assist the Liquor License
Officer in reviewing any application for a license. By way
of example, and not as a limitation, the Liquor License
Officer may request the following departments to provide
the following information concerning the proposed premises:
1. Community Development Department: Traffic flow,
location of curb cuts for parking lots, and parking availability
surveys; impact upon the community, neighborhood, surrounding
environs; adopted area plans and comprehensive plans or
development projects in the area; applicable building codes,
parking requirements and zoning restrictions.
2. Fire Department: Access for emergency vehicles
and fire safety of the proposed location.
3. Police Department: Potential impact of crime,
disturbances and traffic related to density or location
of licensed establishments upon nearby residential or commercial
neighborhoods.
4. Health Department: Adverse impact upon public
health and safety.
5. Park and Recreation Department: Impact upon
parks and community centers within the vicinity.
C. No license for the manufacturing, brewing, or
sale of alcoholic beverages shall be granted when it has
been determined that:
1. Any applicant (including any partner in a partnership,
and the managing officer, directors and officers of a corporation)
does not meet the qualifications set out in this Chapter.
2. The conduct of the business on the premises
would violate any provision of the City Code.
3. The applicant is not duly licensed by the State
of Missouri to conduct the business for which the license
is being requested.
D. A public hearing before the City Council shall
be held on all license applications. The applicant shall
have full right to have counsel, produce witnesses and cross-examine
all witnesses who may appear at the hearing. The applicant
shall have the right to take down stenographically or record
mechanically or electronically all proceedings in such hearings.
Such hearings shall be transcribed whenever required by
law. Subpoenas shall be issued by the Chief of Police for
any witness whose presence is desired at any hearing before
the Council, and such subpoena may be served by any member
of the Independence Police Department. Such subpoena shall
be served, and return thereon shall be made in the same
manner as provided by law in civil suits in the Circuit
Court of this state. Witnesses may also appear voluntarily
at such hearings and testify.
E. In passing upon any application presented to
it, the City Council may determine not to issue a license
if the applicant fails to meet any of the requirements of
this chapter for the license applied for, or the premises
where the applicant's business is to be located fails to
comply with any applicable provision of the City Code, or
if the location of the business on the proposed premises
would be detrimental to the best interest of the locality
involved.
F. The sale or lease of a licensed premises and
the transfer of a license shall not require a public hearing
under this section.
G. The decision of the City Council shall be final
and conclusive.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.004. NOTICE AND CONSENT.
A. No license shall be granted for the sale of
intoxicating liquor within three hundred feet (300') of
any hospital, school, church or other building regularly
used as a place of religious worship; except that when a
school, church or place of worship shall be established
within three hundred feet (300') of any place of business
already licensed to sell intoxicating liquor under this
Chapter, the renewal of that licensee's license shall not
be denied because of the location of the premises within
three hundred feet (300') of a hospital, school, church
or other building regularly used as a place of religious
worship.
B. When the proposed location of the premises is
within three hundred feet (300') of an R-E district, R-I
district, R-1a district, R-1b district, R-2 district or
R-3 district no license shall be issued unless the applicant
obtains the consent, in writing, of a majority of the property
owners of such residential districts who own land within
three hundred feet (300') of the proposed location. Provided
however, that where the owner of such residentially zoned
property is a governmental entity or political subdivision,
the consent of such governmental entity or political subdivision
shall not be required, and the property owned by such governmental
entity or political subdivision shall not be considered
in calculating how may property owners constitute a majority
of property owners within the three hundred foot (300')
boundaries. For purposes of this paragraph, governmental
entity and political subdivision include the federal government,
the State of Missouri, counties, townships, cities, towns,
villages, and school, county library, city library, city-county
library, road, drainage, sewer, levee and fire districts,
soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts,
and any board of control of an art museum, and any other
governmental entity, public subdivision or public corporation
having the power to tax.
C. For all applications, except for transfers or
the sale or lease of licensed premises, notice shall be
given to all property owners within one hundred eighty-five
feet (185') of the proposed location of the premises. Such
notice shall be given by regular United States Mail or personal
service. The notice shall contain the name of the applicant,
the address of the premises to be licensed and a description
of the license requested and the time, date and place of
the public hearing to be held on the application.
D. The distance from the premises of a liquor establishment
and a church building, school building, or hospital building
shall be measured between the point of the premises located
nearest to the exterior wall of the church building, school
building, or hospital building.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.005. CONTENTS OF LICENSE.
A license issued under authority of this chapter,
a copy of which shall be retained in the records of the
Liquor License Officer, shall contain the following information:
1. The class of license.
2. The legal description of the property upon which
the licensed premises is located, the dimensions of the
licensed premises and the address thereof.
3. The name of the person to whom the license is
issued.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.006. POSTING OF LICENSE.
A. Before commencing or doing any business for
the time for which a license has been granted, the license
shall be posted and at all times during the term of the
license, kept displayed in a conspicuous place on the premises
where the business is carried on, so that all persons visiting
the premises may readily see the license.
B. No licensee shall post the license or allow
the license to be posted upon premises other than the premises
licensed or upon premises where traffic in alcoholic beverages
is being carried on by any person other than the licensee
or knowingly deface, destroy or alter the license in any
respect.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.007. CHANGE OF FACTS.
A. If during the period for which a license is
granted there is any change of facts or information differing
from that set forth in the original or in any renewal application
on file with the Liquor License Officer, written notice
shall be given to the Liquor License Officer within ten
(10) days after the change.
B. If the change is a change in ownership of the
licensed premises, change of managing officer, or change
of partner, such change is subject to the approval of the
City Council, in the same manner as the approval of a license.
The new owner, managing officer or partner shall meet all
the requirements of this Chapter applicable to owners, managing
officers and partners. A public hearing is not required
for such changes.
Return to Table of Contents.
2.05.008. TRANSFERABILITY
OF LICENSE.
A. No license issued under authority of this Chapter
may be transferred or assigned, except as herein provided:
1. DEATH OF LICENSEE.
a. In the event of the death of a person holding
a license, the widow or the widower or the next of kin of
such deceased person, who shall meet the other requirements
of this Chapter, may make application and the Liquor License
Officer may transfer such license to permit the operation
of the business of the deceased for the remainder of the
period for which a license fee has been paid by the deceased.
b. Unless licensed under this Chapter, no receiver,
assigned, trustee, guardian, administrator or executor may
sell any alcoholic beverage belonging to the estate over
which she/he has control, except to a licensed wholesaler
or retailer and she/he must first procure the consent of
the Liquor License Officer to sell the alcoholic beverage.
Consent will not be given unless the Liquor License Officer
has been provided with the following documents and information:
(1) A copy of the order of the court having jurisdiction
over the state authorizing the sale; and
(2) A joint affidavit signed by the receiver, assigned,
trustee, guardian, administrator or executor and the purchaser,
setting out an inventory of the stock, the price for which
it is to be sold, the date of the contract of sale and the
license number of the purchaser.
2. DEATH OR WITHDRAWAL OF PARTNER. Whenever a partner
dies or one or more members of a partnership withdraws from
the partnership, the Liquor License Officer, upon being
requested, shall permit the remaining partner, or partners,
originally licensed, to continue to operate for the remainder
of the period for which the license fee has been paid, without
obtaining a new license.
3. REMOVAL OF LICENSE TO OTHER LOCATION. A license
may, subject to the approval of the City Council, be transferred
to any other premises or to any other part of the building
containing the licensed premises if the place sought to
be licensed meets the requirements of this Chapter. Such
transfer shall be subject to the requirements of this Chapter
for the location of a licensed premises, and a hearing shall
be held before the City Council as set out in Section 2.05.003.
4. EXPANSION OF EXISTING LICENSE. A license may,
subject to the approval of the City Council, be expanded
to encompass a larger area of the existing licensed premises
if the area sought to be licensed meets the requirements
of this Chapter. Such ex