CITY KEEPS TIGHT REIN ON LIQUOR SALES

There is no shortage of nightclubs in Cape Girardeau. The number of locals plus the university population assures there is money to be made selling alcohol.

City Clerk Mary Thompson said that about 200 liquor licenses were issued in the last fiscal year. Many were temporary catering licenses, but others were for bars open seven days a week.

Because alcohol and trouble can go hand-in-hand if uncontrolled, city officials make sure people selling alcohol can do so responsibly.

It starts with an application filled out at City Hall. Applicants are required to submit a criminal background check along with the application.

Then they have to post a notice in their window saying when their liquor license application will be considered by the City Council. Three city departments -- police, fire and health -- must sign off on the application before a liquor license is issued.

Lt. Dale Ratliff is in charge of researching liquor license applicants for the police department. In cases of license renewals, he checks the department computer to see how many times police have been called to a bar and what the calls involved. That information is sent to the City Council to help councilmen make a decision.

Licenses cost between $10 for a daylong catering permit and $750 a year for a regular license plus permission to sell on Sundays.

Most applicants sail through the process; those with problems don't.

Going through the city process isn't the end, said Thompson. Bar owners must also get state approval.