Request for drive‑thru daiquiri shop near Central High tabled after board questions

The Lush Parish School Board on May 6, 2026, heard from Holly Don, a local business owner seeking a letter of no objection so she could seek parish approval to open a drive‑thru daiquiri shop near Central High School. Don told the board she would not operate during regular school hours and said she would "be as safe as I can and follow all the law, letter of the law."

Board members probed how the parish ordinance applies to businesses within 300 feet of a school and clarified the district’s role: a district waiver would be a letter of no objection but the parish council would still issue or deny the actual permit. Mr. Martin explained that there is a parish ordinance that governs liquor‑oriented establishments within 300 feet and that the parish council is the permitting authority; the board's decision would be advisory in the form of a waiver or letter.

Several board members raised safety and traffic concerns given Central High’s active after‑school programs and Friday night events; others noted the corridor is commercially active and that similar businesses operate nearby. Board members also expressed a desire to solicit constituent input in the affected area before taking a position.

After discussion, a motion to table the request for further community outreach and committee review was made and seconded; the board voted to table the item and requested staff follow up with the applicant and the parish council on ordinance interpretation and next steps.

The applicant was invited to provide additional information to the district and to meet with staff ahead of the next meeting; no final advisory letter was issued at this session.