Committee reviewing language of city’s current ordinances regarding sale of alcohol
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
Owners and managers of Elkhorn establishments showed up again Dec. 17 when the City of Elkhorn Legislative and Regulatory Committee continued discussions on the city’s ordinances relating to the sale of liquor, beer and hard cider.
Chairman Hoss Rehberg opened up the floor for public comment prior to the committee continuing discussions on the ordinance.
Stephanie Lueptow, who owns Frank’s Piggly Wiggly and its accompanying liquor store, said Monday night she had done a little investigation since last speaking on the topic at the committee’s Nov. 19 meeting. Lueptow said what she’s discovered through speaking to sales representatives at the liquor store is that one of the highest volume items sold by convenience stores and gas stations are single servings of alcohol.
“They call those roadies,” she said. “People get those Slurpee cups and they pour their beer in there.”
Ken Meinel, who owned Happy Hour Liquor in Elkhorn for more than 20 years, said when the ordinance was originally put in place, the idea was that the City Council would have control over alcohol served in the city.
Meinel said he feels the city has enough outlets at this time and the liquor stores control sales very well.
“I don’t see any advantage of giving licenses to the gas stations, the grocery stores, whatever,” he said.
“Back then the consensus was that we wouldn’t sell milk, bread and gas and they wouldn’t sell liquor. That was the deal where that ordinance really rose from.”
Meinel said he thinks the understanding has worked well over the years.
For the complete story, see the Dec. 24 edition of the Elkhorn Independent.
