Commission approves limited changes to allow historic bars to reopen within 3rd Street RUD

The Planning Commission on Thursday approved a planning code amendment that would let bars holding pre‑2003 ABC licenses reestablish after closures of up to 10 years and relocate within the 3rd Street Alcohol Restricted Use District. Planning Department staff framed the proposal as a narrowly targeted fix to help historic businesses recover.

Veronica Flores, planning department staff, said the changes would ‘‘allow bars with the pre 2003 ABC licenses to reestablish after closures of up to 10 years’’ and would principally permit relocations within the 3rd Street RUD, while other liquor establishments would still need a conditional use authorization. Flores told commissioners the department recommended a modification so the change apply to the RUD rather than citywide in order to preserve tailored protections for vulnerable neighborhoods.

Commissioners raised questions about complaint and enforcement processes and the broader equity implications of loosening alcohol controls. Vice President Catherine Moore and Commissioner Williams dissented, saying they were reluctant to erode location‑specific safeguards. Commissioner Braun said she would support the staff modification as a step toward a longer conversation about district‑wide frameworks.

On the motion to adopt the recommendation with staff modifications, the commission voted 4 to 2, with Commissioners Williams and Moore voting against. No members of the public addressed this item at the hearing.