City Council tweaks revamped process for liquor license applications ahead of final vote
A proposal to revamp the liquor license application process in Springfield, aimed at giving renters a unique voice in the protest process, has a new wrinkle.
To allow renters a larger say when businesses within 200 feet of them apply for a liquor license, Springfield City Council is considering an amended ordinance that would require notices to be mailed out to both owners and renters of nearby residences. Currently, neighbors are notified of an application only via signage on the property and only owners have the power to petition against an application. The new process would put information about the application and protest process directly into the hands of residents and give tenants power to object.
Although the new proposal was in front of council Monday evening for a final approval vote, the changes are not yet final. Before the vote, Councilman Abe McGull introduced an amendment to the proposal that would require the city to notify the owner of a property when an occupant submits a protest petition and provide the owner the opportunity to weigh in, as well. If the owner failed to respond either way within a week, the tenant's petition would stand.
"I think it makes sense to give the owner notification of a protest that has been filed about a liquor license and should they want to voice their opinions, they can," McGull said. "I think that's only fair."
The addition of the new language received unanimous support from council.
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With the changes, in the event of protest, only one signature per parcel would be counted. If the owner and occupant disagree, the owner would prevail whether they support or oppose liquor sales. If owners or tenants at 50% or more of the residential properties within 200 feet of the applying business sign a protest petition, the process would head to council instead of being approved administratively.
The new proposal granting tenants to right to protest would only apply to properties zoned for single-family and two-family residential use, not apartments or other multi-family housing that could include numerous tenants.
A public hearing on only the amendment brought forth by McGull will be held at the next council meeting, May 6, after which council is expected to vote on approving the new ordinance as a whole.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Liquor license changes include new detail prior to final approval
