Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Alcohol Waiver topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board approves alcohol‑distance waiver for 129 N. Federal Highway with conditions after residents object
Summary
After extensive public testimony from affected neighbors and a contested exchange over whether the proposed use is a continuation or a new bar, the board approved an alcohol‑distance waiver for on‑site consumption at 129 N. Federal Highway, subject to the three conditions in the staff report.
The Lake Worth Beach Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve an alcohol‑distance waiver for on‑site consumption at 129 North Federal Highway (PZB project 25‑00600002) after hearing opposition from an affected party and several nearby residents. The waiver authorizes an exception to the city's 500‑foot separation rule given conditions drafted in staff’s report; staff said the review focused on distance criteria rather than re‑evaluating the underlying use.
Rafael Jimenez, who filed an affected‑party declaration, said the prior business at the address permanently relocated and there is no active liquor license at the property, arguing "This is not a continuation of a use at 129 North Federal." Neighbors described repeated late‑night disturbances when the former bar operated — noise, fights and bottles dumped in the alley — and urged the board to deny the waiver. The applicant, Jimmy Dassler, said his proposal is an arcade‑style, family‑friendly venue and apologized for past problems at the location; he described plans for security and cooperation with law enforcement.
Board members debated whether to tie any alcohol decision to a later conditional‑use review and whether to limit hours. After discussion a motion to approve with the three conditions drafted in the staff report passed by roll call. The clerk recorded the roll‑call responses read into the record during the vote.
