A public hearing is scheduled for Monday before the Minot City Council on proposed changes to the City of Minot’s alcohol beverages ordinance. The city council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall.

The proposed changes could have significant financial implications for the community, particularly surrounding the issue of removing the city’s cap on the number of available retail liquor licenses, according to council member Rob Fuller.

Removing the cap could require the City of Minot to compensate existing license holders for the value of those licenses because those values have been driven by the existing restriction on the number of licenses. Depending on how the council wishes to proceed, the cost to the city could be between $2 million and $4 million.

“That’s taxpayer reality,” said Fuller, who encourages the public to attend the meeting and have their voices heard.

“The long-term economic impact and fairness of this policy decision deserve serious public input,” he said. “Whether you support or oppose this change, your voice belongs in the room. This is a critical opportunity for Minot residents and business owners to speak on a decision that could reshape our local business landscape and impact how your city spends your money.”