The City of Clinton is looking to implement changes to the liquor code.

During the time when changes were made to the city's gambling codes, the City Council voted to approve changes to the liquor licensing. Mayor Carolyn Peters says the new gaming laws required a liquor license. The ordinance in effect that limited the liquor licenses within the city.

[audio:22013liquorchange1.mp3] [/audio]

The Mayor explains the way the ordinance is worded currently, a business could be opened, a request for a liquor license could be made, but the main source of revenue would come from gaming machines. Mayor Peters says she and the City Council did not like that idea.

[audio:22013liquorchange2.mp3] [/audio]

There is currently one establishment in Clinton that has a bar only license. The Mayor says they have had time to see how their new ordinances have effected the city. Mayor Peters says they will lift the limitations in place, except for future establishments seeking a bar only license. The current establishment with a bar only license is Sophie's in downtown Clinton.

[audio:22013liquorchange3.mp3] [/audio]

The Mayor says the Council feels if they allowed an establishment where the primary source of revenue is the gaming machines, they would hurt other businesses who have partial revenues from the gaming devices. She also believes the community does not want an establishment where there is only gambling.

The Council will consider the changes at their next meeting, March 4.