Item 3.8 Imposing a Civil Penalty and Other Sanctions Alcohol Compliance
Request for
City Council Action
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT REQUESTOR: MEETING DATE:
Administration City Clerk Etzel August 10, 2026
PRESENTER(s) REVIEWED BY: ITEM #:
Consent City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty 3.8 – Liquor License Penalties
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS: THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
X Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative communication.
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and expectations in a
cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend the City Council adopt a resolution imposing civil penalties.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT? IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No No
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
Wright County recently performed alcohol compliance checks on licensed establishments in the City. Unfortunately,
Cowboy Jacks Saloon (On-Sale) did not pass their compliance check. Cowboy Jacks Saloon has not had a compliance
check failure in the last two years.
The City Code (Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 9) outlines a $1,000 civil penalty with no license suspension for a first
violation. City Code additionally outlines that Best Practices Training be completed within 60 days. The penalty is
subject to City Council discretion, however City staff recommend that the City Council adhere to the ordinance
guidelines as outlined in the attached Resolution.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
• Wright County Letter Dated July 27, 2026
• Resolution 2026-62
POSSIBLE MOTION
PLEASE WORD MOTION AS YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR IN THE MINUTES:
Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-62 imposing a civil penalty and other sanctions on Cowboy Jacks Saloon.
BUDGET INFORMATION
FUNDING: BUDGETED:
N/A N/A
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Public Health
Department
3650 Braddock Avenue NE
Suite 2100
Buffalo, MN 55313
Ph: (763) 335-0280
Fax: (763) 682-7701
www.co.wright.mn.us
7/27/2026
Dear Otsego City Administrator,
I am happy to inform you that the following establishments passed their most
recent alcohol compliance check.
Congratulations to:
• Boondox Bar & Grille
• Coborn’s Liquor #2047
• Kwik Trip #162
• Mississippi Valley Grille & Bar
• Napa Valley Liquors
• Otsego Tobacco & Liquor
• Pour bottle Shop
• Pour Cocktail Bar & Bites
• Pour Wine Bar & Bistro
• Riverview Liquorette
• Riverwood National Bar & Grill
• Rockwoods Bar & Grill
• Target T2456
• Vintage Golf Course
Unfortunately, the following establishment(s) did not pass their compliance
check:
• Cowboy Jacks Saloon
Safe Communities of Wright County has partnered with Wright County Public
Health to offer Responsible Beverage Server Training (RBST) to bar owners,
managers, servers, and sellers at alcohol establishments about strategies to avoid
illegally selling alcohol to underage youth or intoxicated patrons.
Individual Classes will be held monthly at the Wright County Law Enforcement
Center. Go to https://safecomm.org/rbst-training/ to sign up.
Respectfully,
Terri Burkhart
Wright County Public Health
763-682-7516
Terri.Burkhart@wrightcountymn.gov
Licensing@wrightcountymn.gov
1
CITY OF OTSEGO
COUNTY OF WRIGHT
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO: 2026-62
IMPOSING A CIVIL PENALTY AND OTHER SANCTIONS ON
COWBOY JACKS SALOON
WHEREAS, the Wright County Sheriff’s Department, along with Wright County Public Health Staff, conducted alcohol
compliance checks within the City of Otsego; and
WHEREAS, Wright County has informed the City by letter dated July 27, 2026, that Cowboy Jacks Saloon failed the
alcohol compliance check; and
WHEREAS, Wright County Public Health, along with the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, strongly
recommends that the City issue a penalty to the license holder; and
WHEREAS, that said violation is by ordinance the first liquor violation for Cowboy Jacks Saloon as they have had no
similar violations in the preceding two-year period; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has authority granted to it under the provisions of Section 340A.415 of Minnesota Statutes
to either revoke the license or permit, suspend the license or permit for up to 60 days, impose a civil penalty of up to
$2,000.00 for each violation, or impose any combination of these sanctions; and
WHEREAS, the City has adopted guidelines for enforcement of said authority which are contained in Otsego City Code,
Section 4-1-9 Enforcement and Penalties; Suspension and Revocation of License, and which outline a $1,000.00 fine and
Best Practices Training for a first violation, subject to Council discretion; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the imposition of a civil penalty and required training is necessary to send a
message to the liquor establishments located within the City of Otsego that said liquor establishments must prevent the
sale of alcohol to minors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OTSEGO, MINNESOTA:
1. The City does hereby impose a civil penalty upon Cowboy Jacks Saloon in the amount of $1,000.00, payable
immediately as well as mandatory Best Practices Training to be completed within 60 days and reported back to
the City. In the event that all of the sanctions imposed above are not complied with as directed, the matter will
be brought back to the City Council for imposition of additional conditions or penalties.
2. That the ownership of Cowboy Jacks Saloon is hereby directed to provide all additional training in proper alcohol
sales for its staff to avoid further violations.
2
ADOPTED by the Otsego City Council this 10th day of August, 2026.
MOTION BY:
SECONDED BY:
IN FAVOR:
OPPOSED:
CITY OF OTSEGO
__________________________________
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Audra Etzel, City Clerk