Midland City Council approves Double Bar Saloon's alcohol use renewal with security conditions

In a pivotal Midland City Council meeting held on May 27, 2025, discussions centered around the renewal of a Specific Use Designation (SUD) for the Double Bar Saloon, a bar located at 621 West Wall Street. The meeting unfolded under the bright lights of city hall, where council members and community stakeholders gathered to address the bar's operational status and safety measures.

Elizabeth Triggs, the city’s planning and development officer, presented the case for Double Bar, which had previously held an SUD that expired earlier this year. The bar's owner, Thomas Sawyer, promptly applied for renewal upon receiving notice of the expiration. Triggs emphasized that the bar had been responsive and compliant, with no objections raised from neighboring property owners regarding the renewal.

The council reviewed incident reports from the bar, noting that Double Bar had generated a total of 64 calls from 2024 to March 2025, a figure comparable to other bars in the vicinity. Triggs highlighted that the nature of these calls was primarily non-violent, with many stemming from alarm activations rather than serious incidents. The council was informed that the bar had implemented security measures, including hiring certified security personnel on busy nights to ensure patron safety.

However, the discussion took a turn when council members debated the requirement for off-duty peace officers to be present at the bar during operational hours. Some council members expressed concerns about the financial burden this would impose on the bar, especially compared to other establishments that had different operational dynamics. The owner of Double Bar argued that the cost of hiring off-duty officers could jeopardize the bar's viability, suggesting that certified security personnel could effectively manage safety without the need for law enforcement presence.

As the meeting progressed, the council considered amendments to the original proposal, aiming to replace the requirement for peace officers with certified security guards trained to level 2 standards. This change was seen as a more feasible solution for small businesses while still ensuring safety protocols were upheld.

The council ultimately moved to approve the SUD for Double Bar with the amended conditions, allowing the establishment to reopen and resume operations. This decision not only marked a significant moment for the bar but also reflected the council's commitment to balancing community safety with the economic realities faced by local businesses.

As the meeting concluded, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism. The council's decision to amend the security requirements demonstrated a willingness to adapt regulations to better suit the needs of the community while maintaining a focus on safety. The Double Bar Saloon, now poised to reopen, stands as a testament to the ongoing dialogue between local government and business owners in Midland, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering a vibrant community.