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Council approves conditional‑use permit for event center with alcohol but restricts it to private events, not a public bar
Summary
Council granted a conditional‑use permit to allow on‑premise alcohol sales at an event center at 1417 W. Dan Schlueter Loop but approved conditions to limit the use to private, event‑based bookings (not open as a general‑access bar). The motion passed 4–2 after debate about hours, parking and neighborhood impact.
The City of Killeen on Jan. 20 approved a conditional‑use permit (CUP) to allow the sale of alcohol for on‑premise consumption at an event center proposed for 1417 West Dan Schlueter Loop, with conditions restricting the facility to private events and prohibiting operation as a bar open to the general public.
The applicant and owner described the planned use as a community‑focused event center for birthday parties, retirements and other private gatherings. "This is not a nightclub… it's not going to be a bar," the owner said, adding that he and his partner operate an adjacent business and plan to provide onsite security and bartenders when alcohol is served.
Residents who live nearby raised concerns during the public hearing about potential noise, parking overflow into neighborhood streets and the possibility that the venue could later operate as a bar. One resident asked whether the CUP would run with the land and allow a future owner to open a bar; planning staff explained that the CUP, unlike a base zoning change, can expire if the permitted use is abandoned for a year, and council can place conditions limiting operation.
Council debated what conditions to require. Councilmember Kendrick proposed time limits—no alcohol sales before noon and stop sales at 10 p.m.—but the council did not adopt a time‑of‑day restriction before voting. Instead Mayor Pro Tem moved to approve the CUP with conditions that the venue operate as a private event space and not as a general public bar; Councilwoman Gonzales seconded. The motion passed 4–2, with Councilmember Kendrick and Councilmember Solomon recorded in opposition.
Under the ordinance discussed at the hearing, council retains the authority to impose specific restrictions (hours, buffers, vehicle ingress/egress, signage) in the CUP language and to initiate revocation proceedings if conditions are repeatedly violated.
What happens next: The conditional‑use permit was approved with the stated conditions; staff will monitor compliance and can pursue revocation procedures if the permit conditions are violated. Any future change of use would require a new application or a zoning amendment.
