Shop's wine-tasting bid denied

The owner of a Bellevue-area garden shop thought customers might be in the mood for some wine and trees.

Dale Watson, who owns Trees Shrubs and More at 36th Street and Cornhusker Road, applied for a liquor license to allow wine tastings and sales in the apple orchard next to his store.

The Sarpy County Board on Tuesday said it appreciated his entrepreneurial spirit but turned down the request.

The board sent a recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to deny Watson's application.

Commissioner Paul Cook expressed concern about the alcohol sales allowed by the Class C license, including on- and off-sale beer, wine and distilled spirits, when children would likely be present.

Watson said a Class C license was the only one that allows wine tastings and bottle sales. He had hoped to offer wine tastings when apple trees were blooming or during the fall harvest.

Cook said Watson could apply for a short-term license to allow occasional wine tasting.