DEPARTMENT: Public Services and Revenue Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
title
Public Hearing To Receive Comments On 2026 Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Applications And Approval Of 2026 Intoxicating Liquor Licenses
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on 2026 off-sale intoxicating liquor license applications and approve the 2026 intoxicating liquor licenses.
SUMMARY
County Ordinance 101 and state law require a public hearing to be held for all off-sale intoxicating liquor license applications. Two applicants applied for a 2026 off-sale intoxicating liquor license:
• Simman, LLC (dba Castle Rock Bar and Grill) applied for renewal of on and off-sale and Sunday sales intoxicating liquor license, and
• Woody’s Liquor Box Inc. applied for renewal of off-sale intoxicating liquor license.
Notice of the public hearing was sent to all interested parties, Castle Rock Township Clerk, Randolph Township Clerk, and published in the County’s Official Newspaper.
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 340A403, Dakota County is authorized to issue licenses for off-sale and on-sale licenses for the sale of 3.2 percent malt liquor within the County, and pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 340A.402, 405, Dakota County is authorized to issue licenses for on-sale and off-sale intoxicating liquor to qualifying establishments in the unorganized territories of the County. A county may not issue or renew a retail license to sell any alcoholic beverages until the County Board has received a written recommendation from the Sheriff and County Attorney stating that to the best of their knowledge the applicant is eligible to be licensed under Minn. Stat. § 304A.402. The Sheriff and County Attorney certify that as of this date, the following applicants satisfy the liquor license eligibility requirements. The applications have also been approved by the Townships in which they are located.
Establishment Type Township Fee
Almquist Farm, LLC On-Sale and Sunday Sale Ravenna $4,725
Bellwood Oaks, Inc. On-Sale and Sunday Sale Marshan $4,725
Cannon Golf Club, Inc On-Sale and Sunday Sale Randolph $4,725
Emerald Greens Golf, LLC On-Sale and Sunday Sale Nininger $4,725
Gopher Hills, Inc On-Sale and Sunday Sale Douglas $4,725
Little Log House Properties, Inc. On-Sale and Sunday Sale Marshan $4,725
Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc. Off-Sale Intoxicating Randolph $800
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the Dakota County Board of Commissioners conduct the public hearing required for the off-sale intoxicating liquor license applications and approve the intoxicating liquor license applications listed herein.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The issuance of these licenses will generate $29,150 in revenue.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, a public hearing is required for the purpose of receiving comments and informing the public on applications for off-sale intoxicating liquor licenses; and
WHEREAS, all interested parties were notified of the date, time and location of the public hearing on the Simman LLC, dba Castle Rock Bar and Gill, On and Off-Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Sales license application and the Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc., Off-Sale Intoxicating license application; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2025 at 9:00 a.m., the Dakota County Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing on the Simman, LLC, dba Castle Rock Bar & Grill, and Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc. license applications; and
WHEREAS, a county may not issue or renew a retail license to sell any alcoholic beverages until the County Board has received a written certification from the Sheriff and County Attorney that to the best of their knowledge the application is eligible to be license under Minn. Stat. § 340A.402 and Minn. Rules § 7515.0410; and
WHEREAS, the applications have been approved by the Townships of Douglas, Marshan, Nininger, Randolph and Ravenna.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves the following 2026 intoxicating liquor licenses and authorizes the Public Services and Revenue Division to issue the licenses upon payment of the fees:
Douglas Township:
Gopher Hills, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
Marshan Township:
Bellwood Oaks, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
Little Log House Properties, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
Nininger Township:
Emerald Greens Golf, LLC: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
Randolph Township:
Cannon Golf Club, Inc.: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
Woody’s Liquor Box, Inc.: Off-Sale Intoxicating
Ravenna Township:
Almquist Farm, LLC: On-Sale and Sunday Sale
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Teresa Mitchell
Author: Sarah Kidwell