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Board approves downtown 'beverage boutique' liquor store at 589 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a special exception for a specialty liquor store at 589 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd, a small 800‑square‑foot shop the applicant described as a beverage boutique focused on top‑shelf liquors, craft beers and specialty wines with occasional tastings.
The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustment voted Oct. 27 to approve a special exception to allow a liquor store to operate at 589 Lurleen B. Wallace Boulevard North in the downtown zone.
Applicant Ginger Contos described the proposed business as a small, specialty shop: "It's more of a beverage boutique," she said, noting the space is roughly 800 square feet and the inventory would focus on top‑shelf liquors, specialty wines and craft beers. Contos said operations would be sales only; open containers would not be sold, though vendors could conduct tasting events consistent with Alabama ABC rules.
Staff presented the application and the site plan and noted the property fronts Lurleen B. Wallace and is surrounded by hotels, lofts and new condominiums. One board member confirmed the location is roughly 160 feet from Christ Episcopal Church and asked staff to verify proximity; staff confirmed the site met the district's special‑exception standards. There was no public comment against the petition.
Board members said the use fit the character of downtown and raised no zoning concerns. The board voted unanimously to approve the special exception.
