SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye City Council approved the second reading of ordinances to close the municipal liquor store and permitting only one liquor store license in Sleepy Eye at a special meeting Tuesday.

The first ordinance abolished the municipal (off-sale) liquor store. The action came in response several recent annual net losses for the liquor store.

The second ordinance was created in order to allow just one off-sale liquor store in Sleepy Eye, because it was felt the community could not support any additional liquor stores.

The city council approved an agreement with Sleepy Eye Liquors, LLC, Harcharnijit Singh, President. Singh is the husband of Sleepy Eye Medical Center Family Practice and Obstetrics Dr. Harman Dhaliwal, M.D.

Sleepy Eye City Manager Mark Kober said several other inquiries were made about the liquor store, but that he felt pleased with the results. Kober said the liquor license contract would become official May 26.

“He (Singh) is a good guy. This was the best solution,” Kober said. “The new liquor store will be leased in retail space next to Schutz Family Foods on the east end of town. Shannon Schutz was looking for a renter and Singh was interested in the business.”

“Singh agreed to take on (Sportsmans Park) camping registration (as is done at the current liquor store), Kober said.

Singh, who owns Crow River Liquors in Watertown, said he hopes to open the new liquor store in late May or early June, after preparing about 3,600 square feet of retail space.

Singh said he plans to add some new wine and beer to the liquor store, according to customer demand.

“I’m very glad to have the opportunity in Sleepy Eye where my wife and family are. They’re very happy about it too,” Singh said. “I want to thank Shannon Schutz, the City of Sleepy Eye and everybody who gave me this opportunity.”

Singh said the hours of the new liquor store will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.