Wesley Person, owner and operator of BasketBowl and SharpShooter, located on Highway 331 South of Luverne, addressed the Luverne City Council at its July 24 regular meeting.

Person had previously requested the approval of a beer license for the lounge located inside BasketBowl.

According to City Clerk Charlotte Flynn, Person said that drinking alcoholic beverages would only be allowed in a private room, and that no drinking would be allowed in the bowling area or parking lot areas.

Council Member Charlie Johnson noted that several people in the district he serves did not want their children to go where beer would be served.

Council Member Jimmy Lester said that he &#8220believed in freedom of choice,” but that he thought the council's approval of the application to sell beer at BasketBowl would ultimately hurt the business.

After much discussion, Person asked to withdraw his request for the approval of the beer application.

Person also discussed the required sprinkler system for his two businesses. According to Luverne Mayor Joe Rex Sport, Person said that since he had paid part of the charges to run water to his properties, he did not understand why the city required him to install a sprinkler system. Sport said that the city has to go through a legal process and that it cannot exempt Person's businesses from the requirements according to the State Code concerning fire hazards and protection.

After further discussion, Person agreed to put in the required sprinkler systems in his buildings.

In other business, Sport announced that the Luverne Police Department would soon be receiving ten new police cars.

Also, the mayor reported that city sales taxes were up by $8,000 over June of 2005.

The next regular meeting of the Luverne City Council will be held at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14.