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Committee approves zoning exception for Diamond Billiards; outside seating and service remain subject to landlord and code review
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Summary
The committee approved a zoning exception allowing on-premise sale of all alcohol for Diamond Billiards and Sports Bar in a University Boulevard shopping center; staff and council members urged the owner to secure landlord permission and consider a formal outside-sales amendment before offering outdoor service.
The Land Use and Zoning Committee approved a zoning exception permitting the retail sale and service of all alcoholic beverages for Diamond Billiards and Sports Bar, which is taking over the space formerly occupied by 9 Ball Heaven in a shopping center on University Boulevard.
Applicant Fahim (Faheem) Zia told the committee the business has been in a soft opening for about two weeks serving beer and wine and that the space is roughly 6,400 square feet with approximately 125–130 seats, a full kitchen, bathrooms and an office. Zia said he and partners have renovated the space and seek approval to serve all alcohol.
Planning staff noted previous zoning exceptions for all-alcohol service had been approved at the shopping center and that the proposed use is a continuation of an existing compatible use. The committee approved the exception by recorded vote (Ordinance 2025-0312; recorded as 7 yeas, 0 nays).
Several council members asked about outdoor seating. Planning staff said that if the business intends to serve alcohol or food outside, the exception should explicitly allow outside sales and service; if customers merely sit outside without alcohol being served there is not necessarily a zoning exception requirement, but the applicant also needs written permission from the landlord. Council members advised the owner to obtain landlord approval in writing and consider seeking an explicit amendment or exception to permit outdoor service to avoid enforcement risk.
Council members also cautioned that once patrons carry alcoholic beverages outside the landlord and the business may face compliance or enforcement issues, and advised the applicant to consider applying for an outside-sales amendment before a large public opening. There were no recorded opposition speakers. The committee recorded the final vote approving the zoning exception as 7 yeas, 0 nays.
The action at the committee level is limited to the zoning exception; separate licensing for an alcoholic-beverage license and any required approvals for outdoor sales or site changes remain with other city offices and the landlord.
