Council hears ordinance to create local rules for new special alcohol permits; supporters say it will lower barriers for restaurants
Ordinance 2026‑18 would establish city guidelines and written commitments for state‑authorized special alcohol permits (historic/riverfront/three‑way); council discussed restaurant eligibility thresholds, living‑wage language, local ownership, and public commenters including restaurant owners and the Chamber urged adoption; ordinance moved to second reading Sept. 2.
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Councilmember Asari introduced Ordinance 2026‑18 to adopt guidelines and require formal written commitments from applicants for special three‑way/riverfront/historic permits newly available to Bloomington under state law (Senate Bill 89). Jane Cooper Smith, director of Economic and Sustainable Development, explained these permits are distinct from quota permits (they renew annually and are not transferable assets) and could lower entry costs for new restaurants.
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