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Commission amends alcohol ordinance to speed permitting; limits on‑premise alcohol narrowed to C2
Summary
The commission approved revisions to Chapter 22 (alcoholic beverages) to streamline permit timing and to limit on‑premise alcohol sales to C2 business districts while requiring special‑use review in other commercial zones.
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a recommended ordinance amending Chapter 22, Businesses Article 4 (alcoholic beverages) of the Alpine Code of Ordinances to clarify where alcohol sales are allowed and to streamline the city’s permit review process to meet state deadlines.
City staff said the changes respond to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission’s 30‑day review deadlines. Gio, a city staff member who spoke about permitting, said the city’s lack of a clear alcohol ordinance has forced most applications into a lengthy special‑permit and council process that can run two months; the proposed ordinance would allow staff to automatically approve applications in specified zoning districts so long as the district permits the use.
After discussion, the commission amended the draft so off‑premise alcohol sales (for example, grocery and convenience sales) would remain allowable as identified in the ordinance’s zoning lists, while on‑premise consumption (bars, clubs) would be limited to C2 Business Districts for automatic approval. C1 and C1a neighborhood commercial districts would not be authorized for automatic on‑premise approval and instead would require a special‑use/conditional‑use permit. Staff explained spot zones and existing parcels in residential areas would need separate rezoning processes if stakeholders wanted changes to where alcohol may be sold.
Commissioners raised concerns about noise, proximity to residences, and the city’s enforcement capacity. Staff reminded commissioners that noise limits and live‑music permits remain enforceable; live music requires a permit and must meet decibel limits, and special permits can carry conditions about hours or amplification if a specific use threatens residential quality of life.
The commission voted unanimously to approve the ordinance recommendation as amended and to forward it to City Council for the ordinance process and legal review.
Staff said the amendment aims to give the city secretary staff a clear mechanism to meet state deadlines while preserving the commission’s and council’s ability to require special‑use review in residential or sensitive locations.
