The Smyrna City Council voted 7-0 Monday, June 15, to relax their alcohol law, regarding distances, and granted a distance variance to a restaurant in spite of city staff objections.
Now the city may waive distance requirements for churches, schools and residences during a public hearing if “satisfactory evidence” is presented that there would be “no adverse effect” to the value of the property that is within the prohibited setback area.
The council also voted 7-0 Monday to grant a variance request to allow pouring of wine and beer by Gursha Ethiopian Cuisine at 1651 Roswell St. that has been open since November.
Haven Academy is 474 feet away, instead of 600 feet, and Morgan’s Point Apartments is 110 feet away instead of 200 feet.
Community development director Ken Suddreth and city planner Joey Staubes noted there was no hardship presented by the applicant and “the negative precedent.”
Previously, they said the council turned down an application for package sales at 1649 Roswell St., next to this restaurant’s location, since the site was within 600 feet of a school.
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