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Restaurant owner urges council to approve proximity waiver for Via Veneto; council defers under 30‑day state rule
Summary
Owners of Via Veneto Pizzarium spoke in favor of a limited liquor license for their restaurant opposite Liberty Park. Under a new state requirement the city must hold a hearing at least 30 days before approving a waiver; council closed the hearing and deferred action to allow that period.
Nick Tarpitt explained that, effective May 2026, state code requires municipalities to hold a local public hearing at least 30 days before approving a waiver of proximity when a liquor-permit location is within a specified distance of community spaces such as Liberty Park. He said Via Veneto Pizzarium, located across from Liberty Park in District 5 at roughly 511 East 9th South, is seeking a limited liquor license and therefore the city held the required hearing.
Amy Stevanoni, who was introduced as the owner of Via Veneto Pizzarium, told the council that a limited wine-and-beer license would “positively contribute to the neighborhood without presenting any threat to public safety or the character of nearby community spaces such as Liberty Park.” Her husband Marco Stevanoni offered brief support from travel. Council then closed the hearing and deferred formal action consistent with the 30‑day requirement; several council members noted they intend to support the request while the statutory waiting period runs.
The deferral preserves the state's required notice window before any council action or local approval is possible.
