Councilwoman Pittman advocates to limit liquor store licenses in Jacksonville's Northside

Concerns over the proliferation of liquor stores in Jacksonville's Northside dominated the recent Land Use & Zoning Committee meeting, as Councilwoman Jacoby Pittman and Councilman Gaffney Jr. rallied support for a proposed bill aimed at regulating their locations. The bill seeks to increase the distance between liquor stores and sensitive areas such as schools and churches from 500 to 1,500 feet, while also establishing a minimum distance of 3,500 feet between liquor stores themselves.

Councilwoman Pittman highlighted the community's frustration, stating, "Residents are sick and tired of being sick and tired," referring to the concentration of liquor stores in low-income neighborhoods. She emphasized the need for diverse businesses that contribute positively to the community rather than furthering issues related to crime and quality of life.

Councilman Gaffney echoed her sentiments, noting that the presence of multiple liquor stores has led to increased crime and disturbances in the area. He remarked, "These liquor stores have pretty much diminished the quality of life for the Northside residents," and expressed a desire to limit their numbers.

The discussion also touched on the potential impact of the bill on restaurants, with some council members raising concerns that the new regulations could inadvertently hinder restaurant growth. However, it was clarified that restaurants would not be banned from selling alcohol; they would simply need to apply for exceptions if they wished to sell off-premises alcohol within the newly established distance limits.

After extensive debate, the committee passed an amendment to exclude restaurants from the regulations, focusing solely on liquor stores. The bill is seen as a crucial step toward addressing community concerns and improving the overall environment in Jacksonville's Northside. The committee's actions reflect a growing recognition of the need for balanced development that prioritizes the well-being of residents.