RecordingTranscript availableAnalysis ready

City of Wayzata Planning Commission - Aug. 19, 2024

Wayzata City CouncilFriday, January 31, 2025
Watch on original source

Early Wayzata Alcohol Sales and Dry Community Status

National Prohibition and Volstead Act

Post-Prohibition Alcohol Licensing in Wayzata

Proposal for a Municipal Off-Sale Liquor Store in Wayzata (1945)

Wayzata Fire Department Facilities Assessment (1947)

Full Document Analysis

Votes (7)

Wayzata Referendum on Spiritous Liquor Sales (1884)

Rejected (25 No, 7 Yes)

The community held a vote on allowing the sale of spiritous liquor. Out of 32 residents who voted, 25 voted 'no' and 7 voted 'yes', resulting in the proposition being rejected, establishing Wayzata as a dry community.

Wayzata Referendum on Spiritous Liquor Sales (1885)

Rejected (25 No, 10 Yes)

The same question regarding spiritous liquor sales was put to a vote the following year. The outcome was similar, with 25 'no' votes and 10 'yes' votes, reaffirming Wayzata's dry status.

National Prohibition Amendment Ratification (1919)

Ratified (46 states in favor, 2 against)

Dissent: Connecticut, Rhode Island

An amendment to the US Constitution, proposed in 1917, was ratified in 1919 after 46 of the 48 states voted in its favor. This led to the commencement of nationwide Prohibition on January 16, 1920.

Wayzata City Council Issuance of 3-2 Beer Licenses (1933)

Approved (Licenses issued to multiple establishments)

Before the official end of national Prohibition, the Wayzata City Council issued licenses for 3-2 beer to several local businesses, including Hart's Cafe, Bay View Cafe, Pedet and Kaiser Grocery, Hagberg IG Grocery, and the Old Drugstore.

Wayzata City Council Issuance of Off-Sale and On-Sale Liquor Licenses (1937)

Approved (Licenses issued to multiple establishments)

In 1937, the Wayzata City Council proceeded to issue both off-sale and on-sale liquor licenses. Recipients included Wayzata Pharmacy (also referred to as Community Drug), the Wayzata Liquor Store, Wayzata American Legion, and Woodhill Country Club.

Wayzata Referendum on Municipal Off-Sale Liquor Store (1945)

Rejected (171 No, 106 Yes)

A proposal was presented to Wayzata residents asking whether the city should establish and operate a municipal off-sale liquor store. This was advanced as a way to generate revenue for city services without increasing taxes. The proposal was put to a vote on December 4th and subsequently rejected.

Minnesota State Fire Prevention Association Assessment of Wayzata Fire Department (1947)

Assessment Report Issued (Concluding facilities are inadequate)

At a meeting held at Hart's Cafe, attended by local businessmen and fire officials, Mr. Deard, the fire department engineer of the State Association, presented an assessment. He concluded that Wayzata's fire department facilities were inadequate and had not kept pace with community growth, despite the city's valuable lake properties.

Notable Quotes (3)

if the city is to continue to render the services it has been giving in the past it will be necessary to either substantially increase the tax levy or find another source of Revenue

Wayzata Referendum on Municipal Off-Sale Liquor Store (1945)

The municipally owned liquor store is Advanced as a possibility for that added source of Revenue

Wayzata Referendum on Municipal Off-Sale Liquor Store (1945)

we don't feel that the city of wetta has kept up pace with Community growth and is not able to provide adequate facilities for housing the fire department

— Mr Deard (State Fire Department Engineer) [9:22]
Minnesota State Fire Prevention Association Assessment of Wayzata Fire Department (1947)

Ordinances & Resolutions (5)

Prohibition AmendmentOther

A proposed amendment to the US Constitution (later the 18th Amendment) in 1917, ratified in 1919, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquor across the United States.

Volstead ActOther

Legislation associated with Congressman Andrew Volstead, defining what constitutes 'intoxicating liquor' for the purposes of national Prohibition.

Minnetonka Herald Article (November 22, 1945)Other

Newspaper article discussing the question posed to Wayzata residents regarding the establishment of a municipal off-sale liquor store.

Wayzata City Council Minutes (1933)Other

Official records detailing the issuance of 3-2 beer licenses by the Wayzata City Council.

Wayzata City Council Minutes (1937)Other

Official records detailing the issuance of off-sale and on-sale liquor licenses by the Wayzata City Council.

Transcript