SHA Requests Midnight Close for Billy's

The full SHA Board of Directors has voted to oppose the application of DWD Group (Gather Eatery / Billy’s on Grand) for its liquor licenses as submitted at a Special Board Meeting held on Tuesday 5/23.

  • A motion to support all five licenses as proposed with DSI conditions failed 1-7.

  • A motion to approve licenses as proposed with DSI conditions except an added midnight closure Sunday-Thursday and a 1am closure Friday-Saturday failed 1-6-1.

  • A motion to approve licenses as proposed with DSI conditions except an added midnight closure on all days of the week carried 6-1-1.

SHA Would Support Midnight Closing TIme

Based on those votes and additional board conversation, the final recommendation from SHA to the City is:

  • SHA does not support the application as submitted.

  • SHA would support a license with:

    • 12am closing time

    • Improved camera and security coverage of common areas within the Victoria East complex and the parking lot. SHA would encourage the DWD group to seek outside security expertise in placing cameras.

    • Strengthening proposed condition 8 to apply an “upward departure” to any license violations accrued in the first two years of the new license given recent enforcement actions under this management team and at this location.

From the letter:

SHA is supportive of DWD’s plans to rebrand Billy’s and focus more on food and a wider range of customers and entertainment options. We believe an earlier closing time and more vigilance around safety within and outside the property is compatible with their goals to modify their business model. It would also represent a commitment from DWD group to taking safety and neighborhood concerns seriously and make it possible for Gather Eatery & Bar to thrive in this location for many years to come.

Thanks to all the neighbors that sent in written comments or showed up to our public hearing. We look forward to continuing to work with DWD Group / Gather Eatery as they rebrand and refocus their business to serve Summit Hill and the wider Saint Paul community.

Monica Haas