Historical Presentation Traces Wayzata's Alcohol Regulation Evolution
A historical presentation to the Wayzata Planning Commission traced the city's complex relationship with alcohol regulation from its early days as a "dry community" through the establishment of municipal liquor operations.
The presentation detailed how Wayzata residents voted against alcohol sales in both 1884 and 1885, with 25 residents opposing and only seven supporting the measure in the first vote. The community maintained its dry status despite being a popular resort destination during Lake Minnetonka's "glory years," when 18 to 20 trains daily brought visitors to the area.
During national Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, the presentation noted that Wayzata began issuing 3.2 beer licenses in 1933 to establishments including Hart's Cafe, Bay View Cafe, and several grocery stores and pharmacies. By 1937, the city expanded to both off-sale and on-sale licenses for businesses including the Wayzata American Legion and Woodhill Country Club.
The presentation covered a 1945 ballot question asking residents whether the city should establish a municipal off-sale liquor store as an additional revenue source. According to the historical account, voters rejected the proposal 171 to 106, with supporters arguing the city needed new revenue to maintain services without substantially increasing taxes.
The presentation also addressed fire department infrastructure needs in 1947, when state fire prevention officials criticized the city's facilities as inadequate for community growth. At that time, the fire department was housed in the back of the 1904 City Hall building, sharing space with city maintenance operations.
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Votes (7)
Wayzata Referendum on Spiritous Liquor Sales (1884)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
The municipally owned liquor store is Advanced as a possibility for that added source of Revenue
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
Ordinances & Resolutions (5)
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.
Legislation associated with Congressman Andrew Volstead, defining what constitutes 'intoxicating liquor' for the purposes of national Prohibition.
Newspaper article discussing the question posed to Wayzata residents regarding the establishment of a municipal off-sale liquor store.
Official records detailing the issuance of 3-2 beer licenses by the Wayzata City Council.
Official records detailing the issuance of off-sale and on-sale liquor licenses by the Wayzata City Council.
Source document
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Other Topics from This Document
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)
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