No correlation between casino and liquor proliferation, Kinnison says

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KRCU) - A Cape Girardeau Police Department study shows no correlation between the arrival of a casino and the proliferation of businesses selling liquor.

The study looked at three communities with casinos: St. Charles, Booneville and St. Joseph. It also examined Poplar Bluff, which limits the number of its liquor licenses.

Cape Girardeau Police Chief Carl Kinnison says the study’s finding were clear.

“Just because the casino opened within the three communities that we talked to, they did not see a proliferation or growth of other liquor establishments, whether it be a tavern or bar or packaged liquor,” Kinnison said.

Poplar Bluff may even lift its liquor license cap, according to Kinnison.

Councilwoman Deb Tracy requested the Cape PD conduct the study because she was concerned the casino would prompt more businesses to apply for liquor licenses.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More

Liquor license cap not on tap

CAPE GIRARDEA, MO (KRCU) - Cape Girardeau city officials are looking at new ways to issue liquor licenses … but a mandatory cap is not on tap.

Currently, businesses must undergo a background check and maintain a neat and orderly facility.

But assistant city manager Heather Brook says that city council wants a more stringent process.

"The impression I have is most of the City Council seem to be a little hesitant to try to restrict the number or to have to much government interference," Brook said. "But they did seem to really want to look into a way of setting the bar a little bit higher for the impacts that some of these establishments could have on their neighbors and to do a little more research into that."

The topic was brought up at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.

Jacob McCleland, KRCU

Read More