Belton businesses hope to benefit from the city’s alcohol sales expansion, including changes in business models, peace of mind and overall growth.
BELTON, Texas — Belton businesses are banking on tourism growth, an economic boost and growth opportunities after the city expands alcohol sales. This comes after voters approved and city government adopted changes to Belton’s alcohol sales ordinance.
The latest ordinance revision also regulates off-premises sales such as package stores and convenience stores. It also clarifies where businesses such as bars, distilleries and liquor stores can operate. City ordinances still require establishments within certain zoning districts to apply for special use permits to sell alcohol.
For some Belton area residents, the push to expand alcohol sales was a goal of attracting more businesses to support the economy and tourism.
Kenna Brockway Calderon, tap room manager and event coordinator at Nolan Creek Brewery, said the ordinance has helped her generate more revenue and not have to feel the burden of the previous ordinance.
“We had to work within the limits of the 60/40 rule for food and alcohol sales. If you don’t meet that ratio, you could be penalized or lose your license. ” Brockway Calderon explained. “It was part of the law that was passed, so now everything is resolved. We don’t have to worry about it anymore. It’s just taken some of the weight off our shoulders.”
The city of Brockway Calderon said it has no intention of bringing hard liquor into the business, but the revised ordinance would open up the opportunity to expand that offering.
“It allows us to grow in beer and wine and offer it to our customers,” Brockway Calderon added. “We’ve increased our wine percentage from 14 percent to 17 percent, so we’re excited to bring you new wines.” [alcohol by volume (ABV).]”
Many people in Belton are also excited about the opportunity for other businesses to choose Belton to open stores.
“I hear there are some great plans in the works,” Brockway Calderon said. “I think in the future, with all the changes, there will be growth.”
Growth has already begun, with a new rooftop bar set to open in early 2025.
“This change allows us to do more, and we have a new project in the works: Pinky’s, a rooftop bar in the old Opera House that is scheduled to open early next year,” said Krista Snyder. . , owner of Blackbird Books & Spirits. “This rule has allowed me to continue to grow and work on other projects.”
Snyder opened his first cocktail bar in Belton, but the bar was in a zoning area where bringing in alcohol was allowed. She said she still has reservations because the old ordinance could have been amended in a way that hurt businesses that sell alcohol, but she’s glad that didn’t happen.
“It was scary for us to know if that ordinance was going to change in our favor,” Snyder said. “Things have changed a lot in our favor and in everyone else’s favor.”
Whether you drink alcohol or not, Snyder believes this is a win for the Belton community because it increases the chances of attracting people and putting money into Belton.
“I think it’s really nice to see that all the people who have lived here for a long time have more local places to go and don’t spend as much money in Georgetown or Round Rock in Austin as they used to.” I think we can do that here,” Snyder added. “A big part of it is being able to put our money back into our community. That’s what drives growth.”
The city of Belton said the ordinance update “removes outdated limits” on alcohol sales percentages and adds new definitions for bars, distilleries and package stores. The measure would also “align local laws with changes to Texas’ alcoholic beverage laws.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission reportedly unanimously recommended the amendment on Sept. 17, and City Council approval would be the final step in implementing the amendment, the city said.