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Highland Council removes per‑zone cap on restaurant alcohol licenses amid debate
Summary
The council voted 4–1 to repeal a zoning line in the city's alcohol code that limited restaurant alcohol licenses to no more than two per commercial zone while retaining a citywide cap of four licenses, prompting public concern about concentration in Town Center.
Highland City Council on Dec. 2 voted to repeal a clause that limited restaurant alcohol licenses to "no more than two per zone," keeping the city's overall cap of four licenses in place.
The ordinance amendment passed 4–1 after a contentious public comment period in which residents urged caution and more time for public notice. Opponents argued the change could concentrate licenses in the city's Town Center and risk appearing to favor a single development; supporters said the zoning cap was an artificial barrier that prevented restaurants from locating where landowners and developers wanted to place them.
Councilmember Doug DeVoe moved the ordinance language change to strike the per‑zone restriction; his motion was seconded and carried. The roll call recorded one dissenting vote (Doug DeVoe voted no on final recorded roll call; other councilmembers voted yes) and the ordinance passed 4–1.
Public comment: Elizabeth Rice and other residents urged the council to pause and give more notice and expressed concern that the earlier compromise (two per zone) had been deliberately adopted to disperse potential alcohol sales across commercial areas. "I want Highland Mains to be successful, but liquor does not guarantee success," one resident said, arguing the council should not appear to favor a single developer.
Council response: Several councilmembers said they supported the original 2024 decision to allow up to four licenses citywide and viewed removing the per‑zone restriction as a way to attract restaurants across commercial zones. Councilmember Scott (surname not recorded) urged unity after the vote, saying he would "support the majority of the council" despite prior opposition.
What council changed: The ordinance keeps the four‑license citywide limit but removes the per‑zone two‑license cap, so licenses may be issued in any qualifying commercial location subject to the citywide limit and state licensing requirements.
Next steps: Staff will publish the updated ordinance text and field any applications under the new rule. Any state alcohol license still requires state review and issuance.
