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Liquor License Review Board 1 June 5, 2020
Liquor License Review Board
June 5, 2020
City Council Chambers
401 Independence Street
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Board Present: Brandon Cooper, Chief Review Officer
James Newman
Board Absent: Dan Grimm
City Staff Present: Bruce Taylor, Deputy City Clerk
Al Spradling, III, Counsel for the City of Cape Girardeau
Bradley Smith, Police Department
Others Present: Ron Garms, Attorney for River Valley Banquet Center
Ricky Werner
Call to Order
Chief Review Officer Brandon Cooper called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m., stated the
purpose of the meeting, introduced the board members present, and explained the rules of
procedure for addressing the Board. It was noted that Board Member Dan Grimm could have a
possible conflict because he has worked for applicant.
A Motion was made by Cooper, Seconded by Newman, to approve the January 3, 2020, Liquor
License Review Board meeting minutes.
Motion passed. 2-0. Ayes: Cooper and Newman. Absent: Grimm.
Items for Review
Review of appeal of Revocation of Liquor License held by Ricky Lynn Werner, d/b/a River
Valley Banquet Center, LLC, located at 631 South Sprigg Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri,
License No. 2799, for Retail Liquor by the Drink and Sunday sales
Chief Review Officer Brandon Cooper called for Applicant Comment.
Ron Garms appeared to represent Ricky Werner, d/b/a River Valley Banquet Center. He
reviewed, in length, the information contained in the agenda packet.
At 2:27 p.m. Chief Review Officer Brandon Cooper told Mr. Garms that his comment time had
ended and the Board would begin their questions.
Liquor License Review Board 2 June 5, 2020
After a few clarifying questions, Chief Review Officer Brandon Cooper called for Staff
Comment.
Al Spradling appeared to represent the City.
He reviewed the details in the police reports and statements given by Werner, Werner’s
employees, and other witnesses. He stated that it is evident that no immediate action was
taken by Werner’s personnel until after police were already on the scene.
Mr. Spradling disputed claims that Mr. Garms made in letters sent to the Board. He also
noted that some of the material Garms referenced is not relevant to this liquor license
revocation.
Chief Review Officer Brandon Cooper asked Lt. Smith to explain to the Board about the
probable cause statement from the situation on the 25th. Lt. Smith reported that a witness
said that no personnel from the River Valley Banquet Center questioned them when
entering the facility. Lt. Smith also noted that all the gun shot victims were inside the
building when they were shot.
The Board reviewed and discussed the information provided and the comments presented.
Following discussion, Cooper made a Motion, Seconded by Newman, to sustain the decision
of the City Manager to revoke the Liquor License held by Ricky Lynn Werner, d/b/a River
Valley Banquet Center, LLC, located at 631 South Sprigg Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri,
License No. 2799, for Retail Liquor by the Drink and Sunday sales.
Motion passed. 2-0. Ayes: Cooper and Newman. Absent: Grimm.
Meeting Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 3:20 p.m.
A Motion was made by Newman, Seconded by Cooper, to adjourn.
Motion passed. 2-0. Ayes: Cooper and Newman. Absent: Grimm.
Minutes taken by:
Bruce Taylor
Deputy City Clerk