HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-16 Public Comment - B. Murphy - Bozeman Taproom
December 6, 2106
Dear City of Bozeman,
I am writing to explain my concern over the recent application for a Conditional Use Permit by
The Taproom to obtain a full liquor license. It is already a concern to many parents of young
children at Hawthorne Elementary School that there is an establishment selling beer and wine
directly across the street from the school. It is my understanding that according to Montana State
Law, alcohol should not be sold within 600 feet of a school, and on the same street as a building
used as a school. Because the establishment is located on two streets, using the Mendenhall
address opposed to using the Rouse address seems like an oversight of the City to allow this to
happen in the first place. The Taproom clearly shares Rouse with Hawthorne. Not only that but it
also overlooks Rouse, Hawthorne Elementary and is clearly visible from some classrooms.
2005 Montana Code Annotated - 16-3-306 — Proximity to churches and schools restricted.
16-3-306. Proximity to churches and schools restricted. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) through (4), no retail
license may be issued pursuant to this code to any business or enterprise whose premises are within 600 feet of and on
the same street as a building used exclusively as a church, synagogue, or other place of worship or as a school other
than a commercially operated or postsecondary school. This distance shall be measured in a straight line from the center
of the nearest entrance of the place of worship or school to the nearest entrance of the licensee's premises. This section
is a limitation upon the department's licensing authority.
Having a bar in such close proximity to the school is a concern and upsetting for numerous
reasons.
1.It isn’t positive for kids to look at a bar every day. It isn't setting a good example for these
young kids.
2.People smoke outside of bars, and another example we don’t want to set for our children.
3.Concern of drinking and driving or Drunk Drivers within close proximity of the school.
Reasons of opposition for obtaining a full liquor license.
1.People tend to consume more alcohol content in a shorter amount of time with liquor.
2.Liquor license will attract a larger variety of clientele, which could result in increased smoking
and rowdy behavior outside and near to the school.
3.Concern of drinking and driving or drunk drivers within close proximity of the school.
4.People tend to get a little more rowdy drinking hard alcohol.
5.The School District and the City must provide a safe and positive learning environment to the
children currently at Hawthorn and the future students of Hawthorne.
Please consider the best interests of the children in our community and
deny a CUP for a full beverage license to the Taproom.
Thank you,
Brittney Murphy, Co-owner Theory Hair Salon