Council recommends allowing small private clubs, bars in B1 district with limits

The Town of Smithfield council voted to recommend approval of zoning text amendment ZA-25-04, which would permit private clubs and small bars in the B1 downtown commercial district with supplemental standards and a special‑use permit. The council closed a public hearing and approved the recommendation by voice vote.

Planning staff told the council the amendment would allow private clubs or bars no larger than 2,500 square feet, limited to the town’s social district, located at least 200 feet from places of worship, child‑care facilities and residences, and limited to two such establishments per block. Staff said the planning board unanimously recommended approval after adding the two‑per‑block limit and found the amendment consistent with the town’s comprehensive growth management plan.

Supporters at the hearing said limited, well‑run venues would boost downtown foot traffic and keep residents’ spending in Smithfield. “I’d much rather keep these dollars right here in Smithfield,” said Myra Holloway, who urged the council to adopt strong operating standards. Business‑sector commenter Christopher Lopez, who works in food and beverage, told the council a 2,500‑square‑foot cap and limited hours would help cultivate a responsible customer base.

Opponents warned of neighborhood impacts. “I would respectfully request denial of any rezoning…that will allow bars or nightclubs in the B1,” said Billy Massing of 210 North Second Street, who described previous noise problems from an event venue near his home and said proximity of bars could depress property values and harm family life. Citizen Pam Lampy questioned whether a blanket UDO change is appropriate and asked why the DSDC is not listed explicitly as the petitioner on the application.

Staff noted that state ABC rules (citing GS 18B‑91) govern alcohol permits and that local zoning and special‑use permit conditions would focus on mitigating adverse effects—hours, noise controls and parking—while leaving ABC license decisions to the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control authority. The planning staff said the supplemental standards and the requirement that each establishment obtain a council‑approved special‑use permit provide the council opportunities to impose site‑specific conditions.

The council’s vote sends the amendment forward with the supplemental standards described at the hearing; if adopted into the UDO, any applicant for a private club or bar in the covered B1/social‑district parcels would seek a special‑use permit from the council and would remain subject to ABC licensing and other town codes.

The council did not record a roll‑call tally in the public hearing record; the motion to recommend approval passed on a voice vote. The council closed the hearing and moved on to other business.