Liquor Talk In Ottawa Closed To Public

Mayor Bob Eschbach who is also Ottawa’s liquor commissioner has invited all the city’s liquor license holder to a closed meeting Monday at 5 in the city hall.   Eschbach says letters sent to the liquor licensees didn’t say the meeting was public and he thinks they would be less open if the public and media are present.

The need for the meeting came up after Monte’s Riverside Inn owner Bradley Hughes complained to the council about private groups hurting his businesses bottom line.  Places that are supposed to have events for members only according to Hughes are advertising to the public, even offering carry-out meals.

Eschbach says no action will be taken at Monday’s gathering.  If he feels a change to the liquor ordinance is needed, he’ll propose it at an open city council meeting.