La Crosse Tribune: Houston to sell city liquor store

HOUSTON, Minn. - This southeastern Minnesota city is putting its municipal liquor store up for sale.

"It seems like the timing is right to get out of the business," said Larry Jerviss, Houston city administrator.

Houston City Council members voted May 9 to put the store up for sale and are seeking bids from prospective buyers, he said.

The sale would include the building, land, inventory and bar fixtures.

Although the

If the liquor store is sold, Jerviss said the council would enact a new liquor control license to allow for licensing of privately owned businesses that sell liquor.

There is a potential for three liquor licenses based on state laws that allow three licenses for every 1,000 people, he said. Houston's population is 1,020.

Jerviss said the city has had inquiries from two potential buyers so far.

The deadline for submitting bids is Monday, June 13. Bids will be opened at 8 p.m. that day in the Nature Center Meeting Room. The city reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Bidders may examine the building and inventory by appointment with manager Deb Thompson during business hours by calling (507) 896-3232. For more information, call Jerviss at (507) 896-3234.