Liquor license changes emphasize renters

Those renting within 200 feet of a business applying for a liquor license may soon have more power to oppose liquor sales in their neighborhood. Changes to the notification process of liquor license applications in residential neighborhoods are moving forward, aiming to give tenants the uncommon ability to protest.

Currently, neighbors of businesses that apply for a liquor license are notified via signage on the property and only owners have the power to submit a protest petition. The proposed changes would mail out notices to both the owners and renters of nearby residential properties, bringing both the notification and protest petition information directly into the hands of those who live and own homes nearby.

The amendments to the process were in front of the Planning & Zoning Commission Thursday evening where Senior Planner Daniel Neal said the changes giving tenants the protest power would be a "unique aspect" to the code provisions, as no other processes currently give tenants that say.

What exactly would be changing?

The proposed changes include requirements to mail out notices to all occupants and residential property owners within 200 feet of the property applying for a liquor license. Both owners and tenants would then have the opportunity to submit a protest petition within 21 days. If 50% or more of the residential properties sign the petition, the application would head to Springfield City Council instead of being approved administratively. This only applies to properties zoned for singlefamily and two-family residential use however, not multi-family housing that may include numerous tenants.

In the event of protest, only one signature per parcel would be counted. If the owner and occupant disagree, the owner would prevail whether they support or oppose liquor sales.

Currently, liquor license applica