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Commission shortens school/church separation for alcohol licenses to 300 feet; local restaurateurs urge relief
Summary
The board voted to amend the county alcohol ordinance to measure the minimum separation at 300 feet for beer, wine and distilled spirits (consistent with state flexibility), a change proponents said clarifies measurement rules; several local restaurant owners said the previous approach had blocked their ability to secure distilled‑spirits licenses.
County staff explained a proposed amendment to the county’s alcohol beverage ordinance that would standardize the separation distance between establishments selling alcohol and schools (and similar sensitive uses) at 300 feet, measured using the county’s existing pedestrian‑route methodology rather than a straight‑line distance. The change follows a 2021 state law that allowed counties to vary local separations and a 2022 local memo that clarified measurement practices.
Daniel (county staff) said the amendment removes the older 600‑foot separation for distilled spirits and sets a single 300‑foot rule for beer, wine and distilled spirits to create consistency and avoid placement anomalies — such as storefront churches adjacent to restaurants — that complicated licensing. He said the county would still allow public comment and that board rules permit suspending the second‑reading requirement to adopt an amendment on the night it is heard.
Local restaurant owners and applicants offered public comment. Martha Rodriguez (Costa Alegre) and Ramon (Temez Barbecue) said the ordinance change was important to their businesses, arguing that strict measurement rules previously prevented approval of distilled‑spirits licenses and that the change would allow them to compete and serve customers more fully. Rudy Rodriguez (Costa Lago) also spoke earlier in support of local small businesses.
The board voted to suspend its rules and adopt the ordinance modification that same night by voice vote. Staff said the amendment is meant to provide consistent measurements and preserve local discretion while aligning with state law allowances.
