SNOHOMISH — The City Council signed off on a plan Tuesday night to form a liquor advisory committee.
The proposed committee was opposed by some bar owners on First Street before the hearing, but none spoke at the well-publicized meeting.
Instead, the council and Police Chief John Turner discussed the benefits the committee may have in addressing the alcohol-related violence that has marred the city’s touristy downtown in recent years.
“I think there’s a reason to do this,” Turner said. “I think there’s significant justification.”
The committee will advise Turner on when objections should be made regarding liquor license renewals to the state Liquor Control Board. The state has final authority on the licenses.
The plan to create the advisory committee was approved with a 5-2 vote.
Council members Tom Hamilton and Melody Clemans voted against the majority, saying the plan was too loosely structured.
“I found no compelling reason to support this,” Hamilton said.
Mayor Karen Guzak disagreed. She was joined by council members Dean Randall, Randy Hamlin, Greg Guedel and Lynn Schilaty in supporting the plan.
That group felt a five-person committee may foster an ongoing dialogue between liquor license holders and law enforcement.
“My personal hope is that a bar owner will be a member of this committee,” Guedel said.
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