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Council grants mixed-beverage variance for 3135 4th St.; applicant provided letter of support from nearby daycare director
Summary
Council approved a variance to allow mixed-beverage service (with late hours) at 3135 4th Street despite a 300-foot separation requirement from a daycare; staff reported the daycare director provided a letter supporting the request and noted prior liquor-related variances at neighboring addresses.
Council considered a variance request to allow mixed-beverage sales and extended hours at a proposed sports-grill-and-lounge at 3135 4th Street (agenda item 7.3) and approved the variance by a 5–2 vote.
Planning staff told the council the proposed location lies within the 300-foot separation zone from a daycare and that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the city require a separation when licensing mixed-beverage establishments. Staff also reported the applicant supplied a signed letter from the director of the nearby daycare (Ms. O’s) indicating support for the variance request. The staff summary noted prior variances had been granted for nearby addresses at the same corridor for similar licenses (Woody's Brick Oven Pizza & Grill, Vizzo’s African Bar and Restaurant, Frost Brewhouse).
The applicant, who identified himself as Zach, said the business would operate as a sports grill and lounge. He told council the daycare director and staff had expressed support and that the proposed hours were typical of other downtown/nightlife establishments. In response to council questions the applicant said he expected to operate roughly 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on busy nights.
Council deliberated and then approved the variance by a recorded vote of 5 in favor and 2 opposed. The minutes reflect the council action; staff will process the variance and notify the applicant and the daycare.
Why this matters: the council’s variance relaxes a separation requirement intended to limit proximity of late-night alcohol-serving venues to child-care facilities; staff noted both support and precedent for similar approvals on nearby properties.
Implementation: staff will notify TABC and update permit records; the applicant must still obtain all necessary alcohol permits and any TABC approvals required to operate.
