CLOSE LOOPHOLD ON STATE LIQUOR LICENSES

A survey of liquor licenses in Southeast Missouri shows that there are a lot of resort licenses, although there are no current resort licenses in Cape Girardeau. The survey was quite an eye-opener, particularly when you consider this part of the state isn't particularly known for its resorts.

When most folks think of a resort, they tend to think -- at least in Missouri -- of a place with a lake or a golf course or both. The Lake of the Ozarks area is full of first-rate resorts, and no one would raise an eyebrow over any of those establishments having a resort liquor license.

In Missouri, liquor licenses are issued by various layers of government, which may be at the root of the confusion over liquor licenses in general. Every liquor establishment is required to have a state and county license. And most municipalities also issue licenses, although bars and restaurants with a resort license issued by the state don't have to get a city license too.

This is a loophole that ought to be closed. The Missouri Legislature has tried to address this situation, but the effort has failed. It came as quite a surprise to many legislators that so many "resorts" existed in areas of the state where you would least expect them to be.

The issue came to light in Cape Girardeau in recent months when one bar was turned down when it sought to renew its city license. The police department said the bar had problems with too many fights. Under Cape Girardeau's ordinances, it can refuse licenses to establishments that might pose a danger to public safety.

The bar continued to serve liquor, however, without a city license. It was fairly simple to do an end run around the city liquor-license requirements. To qualify for a resort license, a bar has to generate total sales of $75,000 a year, of which at least $50,000 must be non-alcoholic sales such as food or cover charges. (That bar has since lost its state license too and is appealing.)

Not every bar that gets a resort license in Southeast Missouri is a police problem. In Poplar Bluff, where there are more resort licenses than anyplace else in this part of the state, the state license avoids a city cap on the number of licenses based on population.

What is missing from current liquor laws is a statewide requirement that would give cities pre-eminence in deciding how liquor establishments operate inside city limits. The current system that allows bars and other places that sell beer and liquor to pick and choose their licenses does little but thwart the power of cities to monitor these establishments and provide adequate policing.

It won't be long before Missouri legislators start prefiling bills for the session that starts next January. Area legislators, many of whom already have been involved in efforts to make some changes, should be ready with a strong bill. It will then be up to cities to show their support for the legislation in Jefferson City.

JOINT EFFORT PROVIDES AUTOS TO WORKERS

As Big Government has grown bigger and more pervasive, the cries of those who believed churches and other local organizations should be handling most social issues were lost in the wind. But there is a change -- albeit a slow one -- going on. Governments are once again recognizing the role of churches, particularly in the welfare-to-work movement.

There was a clear example of what can be accomplished recently. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, the Community Caring Council and the Private Industry Council provided vehicles to a couple of women who want to work but faced high transportation costs.

Donated vehicles are being used for this program. Local auto shops are doing repair work. PIC is helping cover the insurance.

With a little cooperation and creativity, two more women are well on their way to being working citizens. It's a great program, and everyone involved deserves a commendation.