HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018 12-19 Myth liquor license approved MAPLEWOOD REVIEW
Myth liquor license approved
Submitted by admin on Wed, 12/19/2018 - 12:00am
Club is under new ownership
The Maplewood City Council approved a liquor licence for Myth Live, the club, concert and events venue at
Southlawn Avenue and County Road D in Maplewood, at its Dec. 10 meeting.
Though on the suburban outskirts of Maplewood Mall, miles from either Twin Cities downtown, Myth has become
notorious for consistently drawing national acts and enthusiastic crowds.
The sustained popularity of the nightlife destination has also attracted periodic violence, including shootings. That
negative reputation contributed to persistent ownership turbulence. In the last decade Myth has changed hands
multiple times, as well as gone through stretches of closing and reopening.
Requesting a liquor licence in 2019 for the club was its new owner, Kimberly Brokke, who was at the Dec. 10 meeting
and answered council members’ questions.
“It’s exciting to have a new owner of Myth,” said Mayor Nora Slawik.
“Myth is a big part of our north end,” said council member Bryan Smith, adding that power and responsibility comes
with running the well-known venue. He said it’s great to have the venue but it’s nonetheless something that needs to
be watched closely.
“Let’s work together and solve problems before they start,” said Smith. “It’s not fun if we have to solve problems \[in
council meetings\].”
Council member Kathleen Juenemann said she and Maplewood residents take underage drinking very seriously and
it’s something to be “extra vigilant” about. If she had it her way, she said she would triple the fines for compliance
failures.
“That’s how serious I’d like you to take this,” Juenemann said, calling herself the council’s “resident heavy.”
Brokke assured Jueneman that her staff is trained in legal liquor sales and will receive extra liquor sale certification.
City Manager Melinda Coleman said the Maplewood Police chief met with Brokke to discuss eliminating alcohol sales
to minors, as well as other ordinances related to alcohol service.
Council members also wondered about the club’s late closing time.
“I have a member of my family that likes to go to the Myth,” said Slawik. “Right now the shows are closing at 2 a.m.
Some of the shows close at 2.”
Another Myth representative said 90 percent of shows close at midnight.
As for the future of the club under the new ownership, Slawik asked if Myth would continue its programming of
concerts and club nights.
“Nothing’s changing,” said Brokke.
–Solomon Gustavo can be reached at sgustavo@lillienews.com or 651-748-7815.