If the Fayetteville City Council votes to approve Thursday night, general retailers — not just bars and restaurants — will be allowed to serve beer and wine to customers in their stores within expanded entertainment districts in downtown and at Trilith.
In addition, hotels with restaurants will be able to provide liquor and mixed drinks via room service. “A hotel in-room service licensee shall be authorized to deliver alcoholic beverages, either by the package or by the drink, by a hotel employee to a registered guest’s room when such wine, malt beverages, and/or distilled spirits have been ordered by the guest; provided that the guest shall be billed for the cost of such alcoholic beverages at the time of the delivery,” according to the proposed ordinance revision.
Here’s the city staff’s proposal to the council:
“With the continued growth of our existing entertainment district areas (Downtown and Trilith), the proposed amendments will address recent requests from the local business community that will ultimately enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors.
“The new ordinance language updates the decade-old definition and requirements for wine bars to align with current business trends, provides options and creates standards for hotels with restaurants to offer in-room service and minibar service, expands the eligibility for general retail businesses within entertainment districts to serve beer/wine on-premises, expands the Downtown Entertainment District map to align with development trends, amends distance requirements for on-premises consumption within entertainment districts, and provides clarity for catering companies who provide licensed employees to serve at events.
“Staff believes that the proposed amendments will keep our city attractive to new and exciting businesses that are looking for innovative opportunities, and recommends approval as presented.”
Council meets at City Hall Jan. 5 at 6 p.m.
“… Pistol shots ring out in the bar room night …”