MINOT— A long-standing cap on liquor licenses in Minot could soon be lifted or changed, as city leaders weigh reform options aimed at making the local alcohol ordinance more business-friendly.
The proposals discussed are part of a broader rewrite by the Alcohol Ordinance Review and Rewrite Committee, and includes four options for the future of the city’s retail liquor license structure. At the center is a push to remove the cap entirely, a relic of Prohibition-era policy that has inflated license values to well over $100,000 in recent years. Council discussed a number of options and alternatives of how to best move forward.
The Four Options
Option 1 would simply maintain the status quo, keeping the cap in place. It’s the most cautious approach, preserving current market values and shielding existing license holders from new competition — but it does nothing to address long-standing concerns about market fairness and barriers to entry, but could be amended to allow for more licenses under the cap.
Option 2 calls for removing the cap entirely and reducing the license fee to a more accessible figure. Crucially, this approach offers no compensation to current license holders. While likely legally sound, it would be politically divisive, especially among business owners who paid six-figure sums for their licenses.
Option 3, proposed by committee member Kevin Black, seeks a compromise. It would remove the cap but maintain a high minimum license fee — around $100,000 to $125,000 — and give existing holders the first right of refusal on new applications. Supporters say it protects license value; critics argue it still blocks new businesses and keeps prices artificially high.
Option 4, known as the Pitner Proposal, goes further in balancing market reform with fairness. It would remove the cap, drop the license fee price, and compensate current license holders with a one-time $25,000 payout plus a 20-year waiver on renewal fees, adjusted to inflation. The waiver would be transferable alomg with the license as well, providing added long-term value. In exchange, license holders would sign a waiver of legal claims against the city, reducing litigation risk.
No formal decision was made this week, as the discussion was informational only. While most council members agreed some form of reform is needed, there was no clear consensus on how best to proceed. A public hearing and formal vote are expected at a future council meeting. In the meantime, city leaders are encouraging feedback from business owners and residents across Minot.
