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Bisbee council advises against liquor license for Old Bisbee High School Legacy Theater after neighbor opposition
Summary
After neighborhood objections about noise, traffic and changes to the building’s planned residential use, the Bisbee City Council voted unanimously to not approve an advisory recommendation for a liquor license to serve the Old Bisbee High School Legacy Theater; the final decision rests with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
The Bisbee City Council on June 16 unanimously voted to advise against granting a liquor license for the Old Bisbee High School Legacy Theater, an advisory action that the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control will ultimately decide.
Property owner Joseph Lewis spoke in support of the license, saying the renovated gymnasium would operate as a theater and event venue serving performances, private events, fundraisers and community programs rather than a traditional bar. Several nearby residents — listed by speakers as Brit Hanson, Margo Walker, Katie Sanders, Doug Reiniger, Jennifer Casale and Lori Gunnell speaking for Sheila Riley — opposed the application, citing concerns about noise, traffic, parking, pedestrian safety and changes to neighborhood character. Several speakers also questioned whether the city provided adequate public notice and said the project’s scope had shifted from the building’s earlier representations as primarily residential.
City Attorney Joseph Estes advised the council that written comments submitted after the statutory deadline could not be added to the official record, and Mayor Ken Budge clarified that the city had posted notice consistent with state law and that church-proximity rules cited by some speakers no longer apply under Arizona statute. During deliberations, councilmembers raised concerns about neighborhood impacts and the perceived lack of community support for the revised project design.
Councilmember Karen Schumacher moved to not approve the liquor license application; Councilmember Trish Damon seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mayor Budge reminded the public that the council’s decision is advisory and the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control will make the final determination.
The hearing included several neighborhood objections and concluded without a formal licensing decision by the city; any next steps will be set by the state licensing authority.
