Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Clerk’s Office

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Brandon McGuire, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE:	December 10, 2014
RE:	Public hearing on a drinking establishment distance limitation waiver for Hank Charcuterie, 1900 Massachusetts Street

Background

Hank Charcuterie applied for a Drinking Establishment License at 1900 Massachusetts Street. This location is within 400 feet of Victory Bible Church at 1942 Massachusetts Street. City Code prohibits the sale of alcohol within 400 feet of a school or church, unless the following steps are taken:

• The affected churches or schools are given notice of a public hearing to consider a distance limitation waiver;
• A public hearing is held before the City Commission;
• The City Commission finds that the proximity of the sale of alcohol is not adverse to the public welfare or safety; and
• The City Commission grants a distance limitation waiver (sections 4-113 and 4-206 of the City Code).

City staff has notified the affected church that the City Commission will conduct a public hearing on December 16, 2014 regarding the issuance of a proposed Drinking Establishment License. A representative of Victory Bible Church contacted the City Clerk’s Office by phone to express concern about the proposed license.

ACTION

Conduct a public hearing on the requested drinking establishment distance limitation waiver. Determine that the sale of alcohol by Hank Charcuterie at 1900 Massachusetts Street in proximity to a church is not adverse to the welfare or safety of the public. Grant the distance limitation waiver, if appropriate.