Minneapolis City Council Delays Hotel Liquor License Renewals

The Minneapolis city council has decided to postpone the renewal of liquor licenses for two hotels in the area where federal immigration agents were reportedly staying.

On Tuesday, the council voted 8-5 to put off the renewal decision until the February 17 meeting. Additionally, they opted to hold a public hearing regarding the matter.

Concerns were raised during the meeting about the recent activities of ICE and other immigration officials, specifically for Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis area. Those who voted against the delay, however, felt there was insufficient reason to hold off on the renewal of the permits.

One council member, LaTrisha Veto, expressed that liquor licenses shouldn’t be influenced by the status of hotel guests, suggesting that making such decisions could lead to discriminatory practices. “Why are we preparing for a new legal settlement?” Veto questioned, as reported by the Star Tribune.

Pearl Warren, another member who voted against the hold, echoed this sentiment, stating the council’s decision felt discriminatory. Michael Rainville, also voting “no,” mentioned that the hotels in question had already suffered losses due to anti-ICE protests.

Other council members, including Elizabeth Schaefer and Linnea Palmisano, joined the “no” votes, while Jason Chavez, Orrin Chaudhry, Aisha Chughtai, Jamal Osman, Elliot Payne, Soren Stevenson, Jamison Whiting, and Robin Wansley supported the postponement.

Osman, characterized by the Tribune as a “Somali-American,” went further to express his backing of anti-Trump and anti-ICE protests that have caused disturbances in response to immigration policies. “The president called us trash and sent troops here to terrorize us,” he remarked. “The agitators are our heroes.”

City attorney Quinn O’Reilly stated that city staff deemed the two hotels compliant with liquor regulations and thus eligible for renewal. Yet, chairman Chaudhry mentioned a desire for more time for the council to deliberate and allow local residents to voice their opinions. Mr. Payne believed the delay would facilitate a “fact-based dialogue.”

Amy Ringo, the licensing manager, confirmed that the hotels can continue serving alcohol for now. Canopy by Hilton and Depot Renaissance Hotels did not respond to inquiries from Blaze News regarding the situation.