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Council adopts zoning changes to allow brewpubs outside Cairns district over opposition from one member
Summary
The council adopted ordinance 25-22 (6–1) to expand zoning where brewpubs may locate, while a separate licensing ordinance was debated separately. Councilmember Hausman voted no, saying brewpubs manufacture alcohol and should be concentrated in the Cairns sports/entertainment district rather than scattered citywide.
The council debated amendments to Title 21 of the Land Development Code to permit brewpubs in commercial zones where restaurants with liquor licenses are allowed. Melissa Anderson presented the proposed zoning changes and noted the item had been discussed at a previous work session and at length with staff.
Councilmember Zach Robinson, who brought the item forward, said the process allowed public and staff input and that he supported letting the market operate within the updated code. "I do plan to support the motion tonight... I hope that we can get this passed tonight and honestly allow the market to impact these instead of restrictive city code," he said. Robinson moved adoption of ordinance 25-22.
Councilmember Marcy Hausman said she supported licensing changes but opposed expanding zoning citywide, urging focus on the Cairns sports and entertainment district. "Brewpubs are not simply restaurants that happen to serve alcohol. They are restaurants that manufacture alcohol on site," she said, adding that widespread zoning expansion could dilute the Cairns destination strategy. Hausman announced she would vote no.
The council adopted ordinance 25-22 on roll call, 6–1, with Hausman voting no. Supporters said the changes align with state law and provide clearer land-use rules; opponents warned of long-term impacts to the city’s targeted Cairns economic vision.
