New rules possible for beer, wine stores in Greenville

GREENVILLE — The Greenville Planning and Zoning Commission intends to take a look at some possible new regulations governing the sale of beer and wine in local stores.

A public hearing is scheduled concerning the proposed amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance during the Commission’s regular session, starting at 5:30 p.m. today in the Municipal Building, 2821 Washington Street. The Commission could choose to act on the proposed amendments following the hearing.

Local voters approved the sales of beer and wine at Greenville stores, as well as an end to the need to join a private club in order to purchase alcohol at Greenville restaurants, by passing two propositions in November of last year.

Beer and wine sales began locally on Dec. 3, as stores in Greenville began receiving permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Shortly after the election, the Greenville City Council approved amendments to the existing business regulations ordinance, which prohibited the sale of beer and wine within residential areas; prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages from or at a place of business within 300 feet of a church, public or private school or hospital; prohibited the sale of alcoholic beverages within 300 feet of a day care or child care facility (not including foster group homes, foster family homes, agency group homes or agency homes); and prohibited the consumption of an alcoholic beverage or possession of an open container on a public street, alley or sidewalk within 1,000 feet of a public or private school.

Assistant City Manager John Adel, when reached Friday, said the proposed new regulations would address some issues which the earlier amendment did not, such as specifically addressing potential businesses which might open strictly to sell beer and wine only.

Also tonight, the Commission has scheduled a public hearing and possible vote on a request for a waiver from the city’s subdivision ordinance. The ordinance requires the extension of public wastewater facilities to and through the lot on which sits the Turtle Creek Veterinary Medical Center at 5900 Jack Finney .