Plymouth Denies Liquor License for New Owner of Popular Restaurant
The city of Plymouth has denied a liquor license to the new owner of Lucky Street Thai restaurant.
The applicant, identified as Giang “Andy” Ly, had applied for an on-sale wine and 3.2 malt liquor license.
However, a criminal background check revealed the new owner has a felony conviction on his record as well as other past run-ins with police. State statute requires license applicants to be of “good moral character and repute” and free of felony convictions within five years of license application.
In speaking to the city council at the Dec. 12 meeting, Ly stated how he’s a changed person.
“For me right now, I’ve never been so sure what direction I’m going and this is everything to me right now,” said Ly. “I just want to give back to the city of Plymouth to what they’re giving me now.”
According to Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden, Ly was convicted on Nov. 27 for illegal possession of a firearm due to a previous felony conviction. Court records show Ly was sentenced to 60 months in prison with the sentence stayed for three years. The sentence also calls for Ly to be under electronic home monitoring for 180 days beginning Jan. 2.
Ly took over the restaurant from Lisa Edevold. He told the council that his sister is an investor in the endeavor and wanted to help him succeed.
“This restaurant I believe is a pillar of this community,” said Ly, who emigrated from Vietnam with his six siblings. “I feel very blessed.”
Ly said applying for the liquor license was a way to better serve customers.
“The revenue means nothing to me,” he said.
The Plymouth City Council ultimately voted to deny the license.
“Unfortunately the rules are the rules,” said Plymouth Mayor Jeffry Wosje in voting to deny the license.
