Editorial: Time out for taverns

Monday, Nov. 24, 2003 | 8:43 a.m.

The North Las Vegas City Council took some criticism last week when it decided to temporarily suspend approvals for more taverns in the city. Robert Gronauer, an attorney who frequently represents commercial interests before the council, said the moratorium could stymie development plans for various properties in the city.

We look at it differently. The council members, principally Shari Buck, noticed a proliferation of taverns. Buck said she was concerned about the number of taverns opening in residential neighborhoods and near schools and parks. We share her concern that tavern development could get out of hand and represent a danger to the public by way of drunken drivers.

This moratorium, which expires May 19 and does not affect four pending applications for tavern licenses, was the responsible approach to a potential community problem. The City Council will use this time to study separation requirements and other issues involving tavern licenses. It will be time well spent.