Bison Turf owner Pete Sabo has another month to change the floor plan for his north Fargo business if he wants to continue serving alcohol.
Fargo city commissioners voted unanimously Monday to extend the Turf's liquor license through December so Sabo can make the necessary changes.
City Attorney Garylle Stewart said the Fargo Police Department advised him that a remodeling plan has been developed and will be implemented in December.
Sabo said he has been waiting for the official nod of approval from the city before getting started. To satisfy the city, he said he will separate the front dining area and the rear bar area.
Sabo said he plans to put up railings to keep minors out of the bar area and will also post a sign saying that no one under 21 years old is allowed beyond the restaurant.
ADVERTISEMENT
This remodeling shouldn't take too long, Sabo said. In the meantime, he has agreed to keep minors out of both the eating and drinking areas.
The Bison Turf has been under scrutiny since last fall, when a North Dakota State University student nearly died after trying to drink 21 shots in an hour there.
Following the incident, Sabo was charged in Cass County District Court but later found not guilty of allowing minors in his bar.
However, some members of Fargo's Liquor Control Committee believed the "not guilty" verdict was the result of confusion over Sabo's business model. Fargo Police Chief Chris Magnus said Sabo was trying to pass off the Turf as a restaurant, when really it's a bar.
For that reason, city officials were adamant about making sure Sabo was in full compliance with city and state laws requiring a distinct separation between bar and eating areas.
City commissioners threatened to revoke the Turf's liquor license but later struck a deal with Sabo, who agreed to make some changes inside his business.
The Bison Turf's liquor license has been on probationary status since July. Monday's action to extend the license until December was the second extension.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Jo Almquist at (701) 241-5531
