Proposed tavern moratorium criticized

Dan Kulin

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003 | 9:12 a.m.

A proposed six-month ban on new tavern licenses in North Las Vegas, a move unpopular with some developers, is headed for a City Council vote on Nov. 19.

The tavern-license moratorium was suggested by Councilwoman Shari Buck three weeks ago. Buck said she noticed too many taverns opening close to schools, which she said put drunken drivers too close to children. She was also concerned about taverns opening in residential neighborhoods and near parks.

On Wednesday the council introduced a proposed law that would prohibit the city from accepting new applications for tavern licenses for six months. License applications already received but not yet heard by the city Planning Commission, which decides whether to grant the licenses, would be put on hold, and no extensions for tavern special use permits would be allowed.

Attorney Robert Gronauer, who frequently represents developers before the council, said the proposed moratorium would hurt planned business ventures.

Especially damaging would be the prohibition on extensions for previously approved licenses, he said.

Buck, Mayor Michael Montandon and Jim Lewis, senior deputy city attorney, said they expect the final version of the law will not include a ban on permit extensions.

Montandon said because of the fast pace of growth in the city, the only way the council can really take a good look at the policies is if they hold off on new licenses for a while.

Montandon said there are already 33 businesses with tavern licenses open in North Las Vegas, and another eight businesses that have a license but haven't opened yet.

"Until we get it straightened out I'm sure (patrons) can find a drink somewhere," he said.

Tavern licenses allow owners 15 slot machines, compared with supper club licenses, which allow only five.