(Okoboji)– The Okoboji city council Tuesday decided NOT to appeal a district court ruling that allows businessman Butch Parks to sell carryout beer and wine from the “Cove”, an establishment next to Okoboji Boat Works, which Parks also owns.
The city initially denied Parks’ application for a class “C” Beer and Class “B” Wine carryout license, saying it would significantly chane the nature of the Cove property and the neighboring Okoboji Boat Works, violating terms of a zoning ordinance.
The state’s Alcoholic Beverages Division agreed with the city, and Parks appealed to district court.
In making the decision not to appeal the ruling, City Attorney Mike Chozen and a couple of council members sited a portion of the judge’s ruling saying that for now atleast there’s no evidence showing the sale of carryout alcohol from the Cove peroperty actually violates terms of the zoning ordinance. Instead, they say they’ll wait to see if they eventually get such evidence and to act on it at that time.
