Neighbors,
Please be aware that a
group of business owners and attorneys in the alcohol industry are proposing a
change to the liquor laws for Nob Hill. The change would allow a potential bar
owner to apply for a waiver to the State's existing distance requirement that
buffers schools and churches from full-service liquor establishments of all
types, including bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that serve spirits or
"hard" liquor.
This change would apply
to the commercial area of Nob Hill between Girard and Carlisle only.
The only other area of
the city that has this waiver is Downtown.
At the September NHNA
Board Meeting, the board voted to present the proposed ordinance to our
members for input at the NHNA Annual Meeting on September 29th. The Board will
then vote whether to support or oppose the ordinance at the next NHNA Board
meeting on October 10th.
I truly enjoy the
diversity of bars and restaurants in Nob Hill, but I am opposed to this ordinance
because I believe the bar industry is already flourishing in our community and
there is no reason to make our liquor laws less restrictive than the rest of
the city - and more like Downtown.
I believe that adopting
this ordinance would send a message to the business community that we want to
attract more full-service bars to our commercial district, rather than other
types of retail businesses.
I am also concerned that
adopting this ordinance might discourage new schools, churches, and families
with children from choosing to reside in our community. These institutions are
very important to community stability - and too many bars can have the
opposite effect.
Also, if the ordinance
passes, any opposition to a future waiver request would be decided by City
Council which makes the process very political and laborious for the average
community member.
Councilor Davis has made
it clear that he has taken no position on this ordinance and is relying on the
NHNA to make a recommendation.
If you believe that the NHNA should
oppose this change in ordinance, please send a message to:
theboard@nobhill-nm.com
Simply stating that "I
am opposed to the proposed alcohol ordinance that would allow a waiver to the
required distance from a church or school for full-service liquor
establishments within the commercial zone of Nob Hill" would be adequate and
only take a few minutes of your time. Please be sure to provide this input
before the Board meeting on October 10th.
Thank you for your
consideration in this matter.
Susan