The Smithville Board of Mayor and Aldermen rejected an amendment to the city’s beer ordinance last week, which would have changed the 400-foot distance requirement from a business to a church or school.

Aldermen voted 3 to 2 against amending the city beer ordinance at their meeting on Monday, September 9. The amendment would have only applied to the C-2 zone, which is the downtown business district.

Local businessman Tony Luna was one of several at the meeting in support of the move. He spoke at the meeting in favor of the amendment saying, “It’s about fairness. We, the downtown business owners are committed to revitalizing our downtown area and there are key strategies that we believe will help us survive and thrive rather than merely making our businesses a hobby. Number one is to extend the business hours. We need to create compelling reasons for business owners to stay open later.”

“Currently, downtown largely shuts down at 5 p.m., but events like First Friday have shown great success in attracting visitors. Removing the 400-foot ordinance could attract more businesses which would mean all of us could stay open later. This would create a more inviting environment for businesses to come to our downtown area,” Luna said.

Those opposed to the amendment also spoke at the meeting, including Graden Kirksey, pastor of the Refuge Church on the public square downtown.  He told the board, “I am a lifelong resident of Smithville and my whole life it’s always been understood that we wouldn’t have these types of sales close to churches and schools because of the kids, because of families. That’s where they congregate.”

“Outside of schools and church service times, our square is one the biggest hotbeds for families to be able to come and congregate and this would change the culture of the town. Once you make that type of allotment, it changes the types of businesses that are interested in being on the square and that potentially changes the whole culture of the square and makes it less family friendly,” Kirksey said.

“It’s my understanding that everybody that moved in a business over there wanted this to be a family friendly area for people to be able to come out with the kids and have a good time and enjoy themselves. I think this is a step backwards,” said Kirksey.

In the end, Alderman Jessica Higgins made a motion to approve the amendment and Alderman Danny Washer offered a second. They would be the only ones in favor of the amendment, with Donnie Crook, Beth Chandler, and Shawn Jacobs all voting against.