Cleveland council tables variance to allow alcohol sales near church, seeks letters from congregations

The City of Cleveland council on March 17 voted 4–0 to table a requested variance that would let 7 21 Foods LLC sell alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of nearby churches and a hospital.

Staff described the proposal as a restaurant using a mixed‑beverage/food‑service permit at 101 South William Barnett Avenue and presented door‑to‑door noticing and mapping showing the property falls inside the 300‑foot distancing requirement under the city ordinance. Applicant Terrence Levi told the council the venue would be a family‑friendly restaurant (he said he intends to sell beer and wine and operate a food business) and that he had met with nearby church leaders while seeking support.

Pastor Joshua Ray of First Methodist said he visited with the applicant, described the planned operation as one he and some congregants would consider family friendly, and said his core concern was protecting precedent so an exception would not open the door to different, less restricted uses later.

Council members raised questions about whether any approval or variance would transfer with a liquor license or new owner, and whether conditions could be applied to limit operating hours or alcohol types. After discussion, Councilman Julius Buckley moved to table the resolution until the city receives letters from both congregations and staff can provide legal guidance on transferability; the motion carried 4–0.

The next step is for staff to collect the requested written statements from the Church of Christ and First Methodist, clarify the legal status of any variance relative to future ownership or changes in liquor licensing, and return the matter to council for further consideration.