A new liquor license was approved by City Council by a vote of 4-2. The up-scale restaurant / wine bar will be located at 209 S. Main St. The owner Mr. Bires is going to invest $850,000 in this endeavor. This new business will result in approximately 20 new jobs which will add to the income tax revenue and general fund accounts, and revitalize the empty buildings that can be a real challenge in these tough economic times.
There was a lot of debate about this issue, mostly stirred up by a few council members who have yet to learn or refuse to recognize the separation of their council duties and their personal values. I don’t feel we should “incite” citizens in order to focus media attention on ourselves.
I understand the concerns of the other downtown business owners; because I spoke with them directly. But City council is not the moral compass of our community. The role of City Council is to legislate within the framework of the Ohio Revised Code and the Charter of the City of Amherst, to look at this potential opportunity and evaluate its feasibility based on the legal opinion of our Law Director. We have to be careful not to impede on others rights of due process and free enterprise.
Law Director Pecora explained the new business has satisfied an extensive list of all the state mandated criteria, discussed and fielded questions about Ohio Revised Code 4303.292 (grounds for refusal to issue, transfer ownership or location or renew permit).
As on all matters the city has to look at the business and legal aspects of the entire issue. If we had requested a hearing with the Ohio Liquor Board, the City would have to present compelling and legitimate reasons why we are against it. Lack of parking, other establishments in the area, or you simply are against it are not good reasons for the Ohio Liquor Control Board.
As a City, we want to attract new business and encourage growth; I think this new establishment will be as asset to our downtown corridor and I wish Mr. Bires the best of luck.
Unfortunately due to travel issues I had on Monday, I was unable to attend the Council meeting, but did have an opportunity to watch the rebroadcast of the meeting on cable channel 12 (for those that aren’t aware, the council and committee meetings are also broadcast live each week). There seems to have been an initial misconception regarding this new establishment being an additional “bar” to the downtown area, and as Councilman Glenn Loughrie has pointed out, that is not the case. Law Director Anthony Pecora did a great job of outlining the legal aspects of this matter during the meeting. One of which is alcohol (beer and liquor, but not wine) cannot exceed 25% of gross sales. This is similar to the liquor licenses of an Applebee’s, Friday’s, etc. We legally cannot stop a person’s desire to start a new business, nor should we, as long as the person’s intent follows established laws, which Mr. Bires has done so far in this matter. I agree with Mr. Loughrie’s comments outlined above, as well as those given during the meeting by Councilman Joe Gambish.
Dear Mr.Bukovic,
Iwas shocked to read the comment that you made agreeing with Mr Loughrie especially his comment of interaction and talking to business people and residents of Amherst. As owner of the Amherst Party Shop and a resident in ward one (Apple Orchard), I have never met you, nor have I been approched by Mr. Loughre for our views regarding Mr. Bires new adventure. Who said he was utilizing an empty building? There are tenants in that building who he is trying to evict. I must say as MY COUNCIL REP. I am extremely unhappy with your conduct and your shortsightness for the businesses already long established in Amherst.
Dear Mrs. and Mr. Currier,
I thank you for your comments. Unfortunately (as mentioned previously) travel issues had prevented me from attending the meeting on September 27th where the majority of the evening’s discussion was focused on Mr. Bires’ desire to establish a new business in downtown Amherst. It was great to see the public attendance and their concerns being shared. Being the rightfully proud owners of one of Amherst’s best known establishments, the concerns you outlined during the meeting, as well as the other individuals that spoke, are all valid concerns, and may warrant addressing if / when Mr. Bires’ business does indeed become a reality. I’m sure you agree that we all welcome new business endeavors within the city, but we also want current businesses to thrive as well – a growing downtown business district will be beneficial to everyone. As I’m sure you are aware, Council cannot dictate what type of businesses to establish. That is up to those entrepreneurs and business owners like you and Mr. Bires, to bring their ideas and hard work to our city.
One of the items Mr. Glenn Loughrie mentioned in his post is inaccurate. Council did not approve the new liquor license, in fact, Council does not have the authority to do so. As you know, liquor license approval is evaluated and approved at the state level. Council voted that evening to not OPPOSE the liquor license. While that may sound like the same, as Law Director Anthony Pecora outlined very specifically, passing a resolution to oppose the license would not have guaranteed a rejection of the license by the state. On the contrary, according to Mr. Pecora’s highly regarded legal opinion, he felt we had no legal ground to oppose Mr. Bires’ request had Council decided to do so.
I do apologize that I have not yet had the pleasure to meet and speak with you. I try to engage with as many residents and business owners as possible, and unfortunately have not yet met everyone.
As always, please feel free to contact me at any time to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
Rose and Richard,
First I want to acknowledge how valuable your input is to me on City wide and Ward 2 issues. If you recall, I sought you out and appreciated your perspective on the proposed speed limit change.
As relates to the restaurant, I did discuss it with other business owners and residents. I also attended the power point and plan review Mr. Bires held prior to the committee meeting in an attempt to get an overall consensus on this.
All things considered; personal views and beliefs cannot trump the Law Directors legal opinion (I had a few of my own that I had to set aside.). Mr. Bires met all the state mandated requirements and is within the confines of the law. And yes, I did mistype a sentence in my post (thanks for catching that Steve).
My omission in seeking your concerns was just an oversight and I apologize. Your business is one of the cornerstones of our downtown built on years of hard work and customer service; please don’t feel your efforts have gone unnoticed.
I hope to see both of you the next time I visit the shop and feel free to call with any questions you have.
Glenn