Council splits on alcohol variances: one approved after recusal, another denied

The San Antonio City Council on Thursday approved one alcohol variance and denied another after public comment and council debate about proximity to schools.

Agenda item 1, an off-premise alcohol variance at 812 South Alamo Street (proposed liquor store), was approved after Councilmember Aldrete Gavito recused herself because she is in the district connected to the application. Council members who spoke in favor described the proposed business as locally run and said the school district had been engaged and “is in full support.” A citizen speaker, Jack Finger, urged denial because the site lies within 300 feet of Bonham Academy; the council nevertheless approved the variance.

Agenda item 2, an on-premise alcohol variance for a restaurant at 3603 Southwest Military Drive, was denied after a motion to deny carried. Jack Finger spoke in opposition, noting the site’s proximity to Miguel Carrillo Junior Elementary School. Councilmember Munguia moved to deny; the motion and a second carried.

Councilmembers and public speakers repeatedly referenced the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission distance standard of 300 feet from schools as the context for local discretion and for when a variance is needed. The council’s actions varied by case: staff notifications were mailed to affected school districts in both matters, and speakers noted direct outreach to schools.

No specific vote tallies by member were recorded in the public transcript beyond the chair’s announcement that motions carried or failed. The city clerk recorded the clerk’s roll and recusal before item 1’s vote.