San Benito commission approves BYOB permit ordinance, park resurfacing and emergency utility payments; ratifies Stenger Road payment

The San Benito City Commission on May 6, 2025 approved a package of ordinances, contract ratifications and emergency payments that officials said aim to regulate new business models, maintain city infrastructure and clear outstanding project accounts.

The commission adopted on second and final reading an ordinance amending Chapter 4 (Business Regulations) by adding Section 4.13 to address establishments not licensed by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC). The change adds an annual permit and inspection fee category for businesses that allow patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages and subjects those businesses to conditional‑use permitting and city rules on operating hours. The ordinance passed after a brief discussion about enforcement and regulatory limits.

Commissioner Morales asked how the city could hold a business responsible when customers bring their own liquor. “What is guaranteeing the same establishment is gonna do the same because the customer's bringing it in?” he said. A city…