The City of Cleveland held the first of two public hearings on the adoption of regulations governing the retail sales of distilled spirits in the city.
City residents approved a referendum allowing package stores back in November.
During the hearing Monday night, Cleveland City Attorney Keith Whitaker gave an overview of the regulation. To be considered, a business must be located in an area that has been zoned for commercial use. Future liquor stores must be adjacent and include access to a state route or city street with at least three lanes of traffic, which can include a turn lane.
The regulations set a defined setback distance from schools, churches, and residents using property lines as a basis in most cases.
Only one license will be granted to a person, group, or entity with similar members, Whitaker said.
In establishing the regulations, the Cleveland City Council says it aims to combat the “undesirable” secondary effects of package sales, including crime, poor community conditions, depressed property values, and increased law enforcement costs.
The city set its fee for an annual license at $5,000. Cleveland is currently limiting the number of package stores in the city to three.
A second public hearing will be held on April 10th at 6:30 PM.
