Panel approves River City Tavern liquor and limited‑entertainment license despite safety concerns about the location

The Business, Housing and Zoning Committee on June 24 approved an on‑sale liquor, limited‑entertainment and Sunday sales license for River City Tavern at 200 West Broadway Avenue in Ward 5, despite vocal neighborhood concern about the site’s history.

Sarah Grace, licensed inspector with Licenses and Consumer Services, told the committee the applicant seeks to operate a sit‑down restaurant with mixed drinks, live blues, jazz and R&B, and seating for 128 inside. Grace said there will be no seating or entertainment outside and that Licenses and Consumer Services recommends approval after reviewing a detailed business and security plan. She added the division’s review showed a “history of significant issues concerning previous businesses at this location” but that Lieutenant Hand of the Fourth Precinct signed the applicant’s security plan.

Nearby property owner Todd Smith opposed approval, citing past violent incidents at the corner and property damage. “I have a video of 128 shots fired at this intersection as a result of an argument that spilled out into the street,” Smith told the committee, describing repeated damage to his building and the risk posed when patrons leave late at night. He asked the committee to place stringent conditions, including visible door staff and no weapons.

Applicant Michael Oker, representing PNM Group LLC, acknowledged the site’s history and said the new proposal focuses on food and live music and includes a security plan with dedicated staff starting at 8 p.m. He said he has experience operating on Broadway and intends to work with neighborhood partners and the West Broadway Area Business Coalition. Donna Sanders of the West Broadway Business and Area Coalition and Doug Olsen of Northside Achievement Zone both voiced support, while Olsen asked the applicant to ensure patrons do not loiter in adjacent nonprofit parking lots.

Council Member Jeremiah Ellison moved approval. Council Member Rainville said he would withhold his vote because of the location’s history of violence. District supervisor Craig Elias and Licenses staff described the department’s enforcement options, saying the liquor code places responsibility for neighborhood security on the licensee and that the division uses progressive discipline up to recommending revocation. The committee approved the license; the roll call in the record shows one explicit opposed vote by Council Member Rainville.