Thursday, August 21, 2008
Lawrence bar-goers will no longer have to abandon or finish their drinks when going outside for a cigarette.
According to an ordinance passed by the city commission Tuesday night, many Lawrence bars will now be able to allow customers to enjoy their drinks on the sidewalk.
Frank Reeb, city clerk, said the demand for outside privileges began when the smoking ban was implemented in July 2004. The ban forced guests of bars and restaurants to abandon their cocktails when they wanted a cigarette.
Under the new ordinance, bars could allow people to take their drinks outside with them, as long as they were contained in plastic cups. Glasses and bottles would not be allowed outside at bars.
Reeb said the ordinance provides a more relaxed policy through lower regulations.
He said it lowered the necessary food and non-alcoholic sales percentage from 70 percent to 55 percent of the establishment’s total sales. This means local establishments with alcohol sales comprising less than 45 percent of total sales will be able to let guests drink on the sidewalk.
The ordinance passed with a four-to-one vote at the city commission meeting.
Mike Amyx, city commissioner, said the rules established in the ordinance made sense, in light of the success Lawrence businesses and police had during March Madness last spring. During the tournament, people were allowed to dink alcohol outside as long as it was in a plastic cup.
Amyx said the City would allow restaurants such as Teller’s on Massachusetts Street, an establishment with a high percentage of food sales, to continue serving wine and food outside.
For bars, the ordinance allows the consumption of alcoholic beverages outside as long as at least six feet of unobstructed sidewalk is available for public use.
Despite that limitation, Jerry Neverve, owner of the Red Lyon Tavern on Massachusetts Street, said he was pleased the city commission finally approved the ordinance.
“I think it’s fabulous,” Neverve said. “We’ve been trying to get this passed for three years. It’ll just be better for us.”
Neverve said he anticipated guests who smoked would benefit the most from the new plan. He said it would allow people to bring their drinks with them when stepping outside for a cigarette.
Benjamin Lloyd Morgan, Lenexa junior, said the ruling would improve the social aspects of downtown nightlife.
“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Morgan said. “People want to be outside when they go out, especially during the summer. It will definitely make the social scene better.”
Neverve said he had already started Red Lyon’s application process required to obtain the license made available by the ordinance.
The ordinance will be effective immediately, but individual establishments must apply for the proper license to follow the new rules.
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