Planners OK tavern license for Fremont East coffeehouse

By Paul Takahashi (contact)

Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 | 6:41 p.m.

The Beat Coffeehouse and record shop is one step closer to expanding its evening hours after the city of Las Vegas Planning Commission approved the owners’ request for a tavern-limited license.

The license, if approved by the Las Vegas City Council, would allow the Beat, located at 520 E. Fremont St., to serve alcoholic beverages between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. and host live music events at least four nights a week.

The Beat, in the Fremont East downtown entertainment district, opened earlier this year.

“We want to serve coffee in the morning and have beer, wine and live music in the evening, all while not spoiling the vibe of the Beat,” said owner Michael Cornthwaite.

Although some commissioners raised concerns about the possibility of underage drinking if the license were approved, no public protests were mailed in, according to the city’s Planning and Development department.

There is a temporary reduced tavern limited license fee in the Fremont East District as part of a neighborhood revitalization program. Cornthwaite said he was motivated to apply for the license under this program.

“What they’re doing is keeping with the district,” said Commissioner Steve Evans, who supported the request. “What’s the best thing is (The Beat) is becoming an institution… it fosters a sense of community and camaraderie.”

The request goes for final approval in front of the city council on Oct. 6.