Blue Springs council directs staff to draft entertainment-district ordinance

The Blue Springs City Council on Oct. 6 voted to direct city staff to research and prepare a proposed ordinance to establish an entertainment-district framework for the city.

Council member Galen Erickson moved the directive, saying the draft should “consider applicable Missouri statutes, experiences from other cities, and the unique needs of our community with a goal of establishing an entertainment district framework for Blue Springs.” The motion set a target for the ordinance to be presented “at the first meeting of January 2026 or before.” The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The measure grew out of a public comment earlier in the meeting supporting a downtown entertainment district to increase foot traffic and benefit local businesses. “I just wanted to come and hear the discussion, voice my support for creating a downtown entertainment district,” said Mister Mann during the public-comment period.

Council discussion focused on what an entertainment district would look like, whether it should be limited to downtown and how it would affect permits, security and hours. One council member said the intent is to keep any district family friendly rather than allow late-night partying. Another encouraged staff to examine boundaries and whether the district should be event-only (permit required) or allow more routine activities such as carrying a beverage from one business to another in defined areas.

City staff said they have performed initial research, including a call with the state Division of Alcohol and Tobacco, but that deeper review is needed to confirm state law, local code implications and practical options. Staff estimated roughly 60 days for additional research and another two to three weeks to draft ordinance language, and later confirmed a 90-day window would be reasonable.

The council asked staff to consider a flexible framework that could cover downtown Blue Springs and other “pocket” locations, and to present different options, including interim measures if state law limits some uses. The motion instructs staff to return with a proposed ordinance for council discussion and possible adoption by the first meeting in January 2026.

Council members voiced concern about costs and burdens that could fall on businesses if every event required private security or extensive permitting. Staff was asked to evaluate how permits, hours and security requirements would interact with Missouri law and existing city code.

The action does not itself change city law; it directs staff to research options and present a draft ordinance. The council approved the directive by voice vote.