Ordinance establishes rules
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Dublin City Manager Bobby Mendez reported around five current and potential business owners have expressed interest in registering to sell liquor under the newly-adopted city ordinance. Among those is Mark Ellis, whose purchase of the former EMS Building on Patrick Street was approved in the Jan. 11 City council meeting. Paul Gaudette | Citizen staff photo
Dublin businesses can now legally sell liquor following the approval of an ordinance by Dublin City Council in its regular meeting on Jan. 11.
The new ordinance ensures several guidelines that have to be followed by any business selling alcohol. The sale of liquor within the city limits was approved by Dublin voters in a special election held alongside the Nov. 2020 general election, but an ordinance had to be approved before the sale of alcohol by any business (with proper licensing and following guidelines) was allowed.
“Most of the ordinance just falls in with TABC (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission) rules and guidelines,” said Dublin City Manager Bobby Mendez, who reported that about five current and prospective business owners have expressed interest. Among those interested are Mark Ellis, who just purchased the former EMS building by the city limits near Golden Chick and restaurant owners in town.
Mendez said that he and Dublin Police Chief Cameron Ray have expressed a desire to ensure that businesses are being safe and following codes while not over-regulating in such a way that would harm business.
“We will make sure people are complying with the laws,” Mendez said.
In addition to allowing the sale of liquor at businesses, it allows the sale at events with a special permit. The organizers of such events will need to advise the city of the intent to serve alcohol when registering. Organizers of such events will need to abide by state laws, only serving to persons 21 years of age or older, and provide that certified law enforcement officers will be on duty during the event.
Mendez and Chief Ray will determine how much security will be required. Special permits will cost $250 with a refundable cleanup and security deposit costing $500.
The ordinance otherwise prohibits the sale, consumption or distribution of alcohol in any public place (defined as any public street or alley or any property owned by the city).
The ordinance includes administrative and renewal fees for business owners submitting applications.
It also prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of any church, school or public hospital, either existing or proposed at the time of registration. The spacing is determined in measuring from “front door to front door” between the dealer’s place of business and any door of a church, school or public hospital.
Sales are also prohibited near childcare facilities, except if the businesses are on different stories of a multi-story building or businesses are located near each other, but on different floors of their respective buildings.