Council approves alcohol‑distance variance for warehouse liquor wholesaler near church after debate

The Garland City Council on May 5 approved a requested variance that reduces the required 300‑foot separation between a church and an establishment associated with storing and distributing alcoholic beverages. The site at 209 South Kirby Street (Unit 307) was measured at 86 feet door‑to‑door from Unit 418, where Nuevo Paco Christian Church is located.

Planning staff said the unit operates as a warehouse with a wholesale component and has a certificate of occupancy for warehouse use; staff noted they mailed notification to properties within 400 feet and received two letters of opposition. Staff told council they had attempted courtesy phone contact with the church but had not received a response. Council members raised concerns about delivery traffic, whether semi‑truck access would be safe on local streets, and whether adequate outreach had occurred. Councilmember Dutton moved to deny the variance but the motion failed for lack of a second. Councilmember Bass then moved to approve the variance; the motion, seconded by Councilmember Beard, passed 7–2 with Dutton and Thomas recorded in opposition.

Staff recommended approval based on the character of the area and the use’s warehouse/wholesale nature; the applicant had obtained a CO but required TABC clearance before full operation. Council’s vote allows the business to proceed toward TABC approval but does not substitute for any state licensing requirement.