The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission cleared the way for The Depot’s grand re-opening Jan. 23 with approval of a liquor license with conditions.
The liquor commission held a hearing on Jan. 20 to determine whether the license should be granted. The commission’s agenda said the application was made only for Lori Thomas and said her husband, David Thomas, had signed a non-participation agreement.
The liquor commission noted, however, that Nebraska City police conducted a compliance check at the restaurant, 725 S. Sixth St., on Dec. 9 and cited David Thomas for allowing consumption of liquor without a license and allowing indoor smoking.
The Otoe County Attorney’s office dropped the alcohol charge in exchange for Thomas’ admission on a violation of Nebraska’s Clean Indoor Air act.
The liquor commission’s hearing schedule published at www.llc.ne.gov says the license was approved on condition that Thomas “be banned from the premises.” The restaurant is also required to conduct beverage server training.
The restaurant is located in the historic 1912 Burlington Northern Railroad depot on Sixth Street. The building is owned by the Nebraska City Economic Development Foundation, which leases the ground from the railroad.
A Nebraska Transportation Enhancement Program grant funded a project in 2002 that included roof repair and brick tuck pointing, as well as a trolley stop and visitor information center.
