The City of Prescott has two available Class B liquor licenses, and at the Nov. 24 meeting, the Prescott City Council approved a resolution establishing a procedure to issue those licenses.

According to the city council packet, Prescott currently has 10 Class B liquor licenses issued to the following establishments: Two Rivers Lodge Bar & Grill, Muddy Waters, No Name Saloon, Prescott Tap, American Legion Post 61, Scab’s Place, Philander’s Grill & Bar, Kitchen Table Grill & Bar, Gordy’s (formerly Lucille’s) and the Old Ptacek’s Event Center. Two licenses are now open: one available after the old Steamboat Inn closure, and the other gained in 2024 due to population growth of more than 500 people.

The license previously held by the Steamboat Inn, per state statute, is $500 since it was issued before Dec. 1, 1997. The new available license, brought about by population growth, is $10,000 per state statute.

“We plan to issue both and have come up with an application,” City Administrator Matt Wolf said.

He said the city has been approached in the past by multiple businesses expressing interest in obtaining a Class B liquor license, including Prescott Roadhouse, Papa Tronnio’s, St. Croix Liquor and St. Croix Marina & Pub.

“There has also been inquiries from potential businesses interested in moving into Prescott,” Wolf said.

Because demand exceeds supply, the Health and Safety Committee directed staff to develop a structured and equitable process for awarding the licenses. City staff prepared a complete application packet, which includes:

• A formal business notice letter to prospective applicants
• A liquor license application form
• Application scoring criteria and evaluation guidelines
• Required submittals (e.g., business plan, operator licenses, server training certificates, etc.)

Each application will be evaluated on a 100-point scoring system by the Health and Safety Committee, including:

• Business plan and community benefit (0–40 points)
• Experience and qualifications (0–20 points)
• Compliance and legal history (0–20 points)
• Location and zoning compatibility (0–20 points)

The application deadline is Jan. 30, 2026. All applications must be completed in full and include as much relevant detail as possible, Wolf said. Current businesses must include copies of Server Course Training Certificates or current City of Prescott operator’s licenses. New or prospective businesses must include a business plan or concept plan.

The council passed the resolution unanimously, minus Mayor Rob Daugherty and alderpersons Dar Hintz and Adam Granberg, who were excused.

Short-term rentals

Wolf said the city has multiple short-term rentals, which are defined as a residential dwelling that is offered for rent for a fee and for fewer than 30 consecutive days.

“Historically, the city has not required these properties to obtain a permit, which has limited the city’s ability to effectively track and monitor such rental activity. This lack of permitting has resulted in several operational and administrative challenges,” the packet states. “Specifically, the city has experienced difficulties identifying and contacting property owners and ensuring proper collection and remittance of room taxes associated with short-term rental operations.”

“We have been delaying its implementation mainly due to the fact that we haven’t really had compliance issues and we haven’t had a set license up to this point yet,” Wolf said. “We haven’t

had much success in getting a couple rentals to turn in their room tax forms.”

He estimated the city is home to 6-10 short-term rentals. The council approved the short-term rental application and permitting procedure for 2026.

“Knowing who the actual landlords are is helpful if there is a complaint,” Alderperson Maureen Otwell said.

Other business

• The council heard a detailed audit report from Marissa Bahr of Johnson Block for the 2024 fiscal year. The full audit report can be viewed in the Nov. 24 city council packet links.
• Three council seats are up for election in April, with nomination papers due by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 6: Mayor Rob Daugherty, Ward 3 Alderperson Dar Hintz and Ward 4 Alderperson Lindsey Sorenson.
• The council approved the appointment of Elizabeth Vetter to the Tourism Committee, who will replace Todd London.
• The council approved a bench dedication at Freedom Park from Dan Geister.