It's called Capitalism
It is the economic system here in the U.S.A in case you hadn't noticed.
That said, trying to find reasons to block a supposed 'big box' retailer for the reason of being 'big-box' is rather anti-captialist.
Comparing a liquor store to a strip-club is miles past rediculous.. and just to entertain the idea... is the other liquor store down the road just less of threat because it is deemed a 'small-town' retailer?
Going down the road of the big bad 'big-box' retailers... there are no less than 4 in the 1mile radius, those ones are ok though? Is it a not-in-my-backyard mentality that is the problem here?
Do some homework on MGM past 'the sky is falling' sentiment of a few outspoken critics... the company started as a small time operation and used the tools of this capitalist economy to grow... because their competitors haven't done that we should penalize MGM?
Prior Lake isn't all white picket fences and sunshine, nor is it as small-town as so many like to paint it.
Haugan has it right here... trying to block this via ordinance change as part of a liquor license approval would have been wrong.
Calm down, the sky isn't falling, it's just the economic system that is part of the American dream at work... the same economic system that keeps your prices low and your quality of products high.
But I do thank you for reminding me that I am in fact in the 'nanny-state'

For the record I have no issue with MGM comming to PL, I will continue going to Dakota and Viking as long as they can survive. What I have is a problem with our local government dismissing the issue of peoples concerns about the argument of " Is it a Day Care or a School" really whats the difference? The law im sure was put in place to protect children right? Day Care and Schools both have children right? So I ask again what is the difference? Wait a minute the law was put in place for the teachers thats it we are trying to protect the teachers!! Silly me!!

Now to address my fear of a Large Liquor store right next to a Day care, what does a Liquor store sell? Liquor right. Now can you tell me that NOBODY!! under the influence ever drives to buy more Liquor? There is a playground in front of the Daycare right? I just dont like the possablities.

As far as Panhandlers they are not far off I saw one at the Exit of Cub two Sundays ago.

My opinion regarding MGM isn't solely based on the daycare being behind there. My son went there when it was New Horizon and I wasn't concerned about Dakota being down the street. If I remember correctly it has a fence around the play area. I just think the last thing Prior Lake needs is another liquor store. It is just stupid! Just think about it, it doesn't take half a brain to see how dumb 3 liquor stores within a block from each other would look. I've lived in PL for 39 years and I of course still want the small town feel. I understand there is change and progress and I can live with that. I don't see how opening another liquor store is going to benefit Prior Lake. I don't see it bringing in any more business, it will just be the same people in the area possibly going to a different store. From a legal standpoint, I suppose the city council couldn't deny the license, but doesn't the council have a right to just say NO, we don't want that business in our town? Also, has anybody thought about the businesses that are in the building currently, what about them? I don't even see why MGM would want to move there when there are two other stores near by. I for one will not patronize MGM if this does happen and I know many others feel the same way. That would be embarrassing for MGM if they put a lot of money into this location and didn't get any business!

Mayor Haugen states that Kids Count never raised a question when PDQ was in operation regarding their 3.2 license. That is because PDQ wasn't in business when Kids Count Daycare came to Prior Lake! How long have you been Mayor??

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!"

So they say after hurling a few themselves.