August 9, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
Should the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen update the city’s beer ordinance to make it easier for businesses including eateries in the downtown business district to sell the beverage?
The Smithville Mayor and Aldermen have scheduled a workshop to discuss the issue on Tuesday, August 20 at 6 p.m. at city hall.
In June, local businessman Tony Luna was one of three people who addressed the mayor and aldermen to make this request. Luna renewed his request during Monday night’s monthly meeting.
Luna said in June that the existing beer ordinance is an impediment to economic growth and its unfair because of the distance requirement for businesses to obtain a beer permit. The other two people who addressed the mayor and aldermen in June, Ken Fennell and Gary Booth, essentially made the same arguments.
Local businessman Ace Gonzalez spoke Monday night saying essentially that he could support changes in the ordinance if good restrictions are in place particularly for establishments who currently allow customers to bring in their own beer.
Under the ordinance, the language states that “In no event will a permit be issued authorizing the manufacture or storage of beer, or the sale of beer within 400 feet of any school or church. The distance requirement shall be measured in a straight line from the primary entrance of the establishment seeking a permit to sell beer to the primary entrance of the school or church”.
Mayor Josh Miller explained that any change in the beer ordinance would require passage of an ordinance on two separate readings and a public hearing.