Posted: Feb. 8, 2010

The owner of Ray's Liquor wants to convert second-floor offices into an educational area for staff and the public to learn about the alcoholic products sold at the North Avenue store.

The Plan Commission tonight unanimously supported granting owner Rick Laev a conditional-use permit. The request will go to the Community Development Committee Tuesday night, then on to the Common Council next week.

Laev plans to use the space to educate his 15 to 20 employees about the products sold in the liquor store. Vendors regularly come to introduce new spirits hitting the market. In addition, wine tastings and other special events for up to 25 people are expected.

Any sales brought in from the events will be done in the store, which closes at 9 p.m., so the upstairs space is expected to have the same operating hours.

Laev has applied for a Class B liquor license that would allow alcohol to be served and consumed on premises.