Retail Liquor, Beer, and Wine License
Notice of Sale – Public Auction
Notice is hereby given that the City of Minot will conduct a live, in-person public auction for one (1) Retail Liquor, Beer, and Wine license. The auction is open to interested and qualified parties, and bidding will begin at one dollar ($1.00). The license will be sold to the highest, qualified bidder.
Auction Date, Time, and Location
The auction will be held on Thursday, May 28th at 11:00 am in the City Council Chambers at Minot City Hall (10 3rd Ave SW). Potential bidders must report to City Hall by 10:30 a.m. to obtain a bid number and provide the information required to conduct a background check.
License Description and Fees
A Retail Liquor, Beer, and Wine license authorizes both on-sale and/or off-sale of liquor, beer, and wine.
The City will accept cash or certified funds only, made payable to the “City of Minot.” The annual license fee is three thousand one hundred twenty-five dollars ($3,125.00). Payment to acquire the license (amount established at the auction) and license fee is required within seventy-two (72) hours of receiving approval of the background check.
Eligibility and Qualification Requirements
All bidders must meet the requirements set forth in Minot City Ordinances and North Dakota state law. The license will be awarded to the highest qualified bidder, subject to approval by the Minot City Council. If the highest bidder does not pass the background check or fails to submit payment for the license and license fee within seventy-two (72) hours of the approved background check, the license will be awarded to the next highest bidder.
Bidder Participation Rules
Each bidder must participate in their own name or in an official capacity as an employee or owner of a business entity. Only individuals intending to operate under the Retail Liquor, Beer, and Wine license may participate in the live auction. The successful bidder may not transfer this license to another party until they have operated under the license for at least a period of twelve (12) months.
Post-Auction Requirements
Following an approved background check and payment, the successful bidder must
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Complete the online license application;
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Submit a final clear and detailed floor plan per Minot City Ordinance Section 5-18(2);
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Pass all required premises inspections; and
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Begin operations within twelve (12) months of being named the successful bidder by the City Council.
Failure to satisfy any of these requirements will result in the license reverting to the City.
Council Review and Issuance
The City Clerk shall submit a recommendation for award to the Minot City Council for its consideration within forty-five (45) days of the auction. The license cannot be issued until the City Council approves the application and payment is received. If payment is returned for non-sufficient funds, the City Council may offer the license to the next highest bidder or decline to award the license to any remaining bidder.
License Term
The license term shall begin upon issuance by the City Council and shall expire at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2026.
Contact Information
If you have further questions, please consult Mikayla McWilliams, Minot City Clerk, at 701-858-4752.
