Council tables proposed BYOB ordinance after staff outlines regulation options

City staff presented a proposed ordinance to regulate or prohibit BYOB (bring-your-own-bottle) commercial venues and councilors voted to table further consideration.

"So basically, if you sell alcoholic beverages, then you're required to get licensed by TABC," said Mr. Duncan, the staff presenter, laying out three approaches: maintain the status quo, adopt a local permitting regime with inspections and security requirements, or prohibit BYOB and require TABC licensure. Duncan said other cities model ordinances that include safety plans and registration requirements but noted Clute could tailor a shorter, more limited ordinance focused on security and proximity to schools or churches.

Council members questioned whether the problem exists locally and whether regulation would place new burdens on restaurants. One council member warned that security costs could make a small BYOB operation unworkable for local businesses. Another asked whether special-use permits or existing zoning tools could be used instead of a standalone ordinance.

After discussion, a motion to table the ordinance was made and seconded; the chair called for and received a voice vote to table the item and revisit it if a concrete problem arises.

The immediate effect is procedural: no ordinance was adopted and staff was not directed to return with a specific draft; the council left the item for future consideration if evidence of a local issue emerges.