FORNEY, Texas — The Forney Downtown Business Association recently sent a letter to the Forney Planning and Zoning Commission and the Forney City Council seeking a change in the Entertainment Overlay District (EOD) minimum seating requirements for on-premise alcohol sales.
FORNEY, Texas — The Forney Downtown Business Association recently sent a letter to the Forney Planning and Zoning Commission and the Forney City Council seeking a change in the Entertainment Overlay District (EOD) minimum seating requirements for on-premise alcohol sales.
Currently, among other restrictions, the EOD restricts on-premise alcohol sales to private clubs with at least 125 dining seats. The association is requesting the removal of the seating requirement.
“The FDBA feels this requirement puts an unnecessary burden on businesses operating out of smaller storefronts with limited space,” states the association’s letter.
If the seating requirement is removed, businesses must still comply with other standards set forth in the EOD such as a one-third food-to-alcohol sales ratio and a minimum distance of 300 feet from any church, public or private school, child care center, or hospital.
In the downtown corridor, restaurants include Doe Belly’s, 4T’s BBQ, Mama’s Daughters’ Diner, Cici’s Pizza, and Crumbzz. The Forney Economic Development Corporation is also renovating 215 Bois D’Arc Street in anticipation of leasing to a restaurant tenant. (Editor’s note: This list represents restaurants in the EOD in the downtown area and does not necessarily represent businesses seeking on-premise alcohol sales.)
Any restaurant seeking alcohol sales must also comply with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission standards and minimum distance regulations unless a variance is granted on a case-by-case basis.
The Forney Planning and Zoning is scheduled for a public hearing on the matter on April 2, 2015, and the Forney City Council will hold a public hearing on April 7, 2015.
The Forney Downtown Business Association’s letter:
To all members of City Staff, Planning and Zoning Board, and City Council,
The Forney Downtown Business Association (FDBA) seeks to encourage the growth and stability of downtown businesses while also creating a welcoming atmosphere to increase foot traffic and retail customers. Our members support the City of Forney, City Council, and numerous city boards in their efforts to do the same.
The FDBA requests consideration of an amendment to the current zoning in place for the Entertainment Overlay District (ENT), specifically the removal of item 34d.5 C 1. This line states that a Private Club that serves alcoholic beverages "must have at least one hundred and twenty-five (125) dining seats". The FDBA feels this requirement puts an unnecessary burden on businesses operating out of smaller storefronts with limited space.
There are Forney businesses ready and willing to invest capitol to modify their kitchens, undergo licensing and training, and offer more products to their customers, but they are prevented from doing so by their seating capacity. Customers ask to buy beer or wine with their meals, but these restaurants cannot offer them. Those customers are spending money in Forney and wanting to spend more money but not able to.
Note that all other restrictions listed in the ENT zoning ordinance would still apply including distances from churches and schools. These businesses also must comply with all conditions set forth by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, as would any other restaurant or club wishing to sell alcoholic beverages on-site. The FDBA requests only the removal of the minimum seating capacity of 125.
This letter represents the views of the collective members, directors, and volunteers of the FDBA.
Sincerely,
Matthew Malone, President
Forney Downtown Business Association
