HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-13-16 Public Comment - K. Gallinger - Bozeman TaproomFrom:Kara Gallinger
To:Agenda; trustees@bsd7.org
Subject:Taproom Approval
Date:Tuesday, December 13, 2016 2:16:47 PM
Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Commissioners and Bozeman Public Schools Board of
Trustees,
I am writing to show my support for a YES vote by the City allowing the Bozeman Taproomto have an All Beverage License.
The Bozeman Taproom took a previously dilapidated corner of downtown Bozeman,
revitalized it creating a welcoming and family friendly atmosphere and did so well within thelimits of the law. The accusations that the Taproom changed its address to “circumvent the
law” are false. The building and business address has always been on Mendenhall.
The Taproom has created a welcoming atmosphere for a wide range of clientele includingchildren and families. Additionally, the Taproom has created another great option for the
downtown lunch crowd with its varied food options. While asking to add distilled spirits tothe menu, the feel and atmosphere will not be changing. To say distilled spirits are somehow
different than beer or wine is false – 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits is the same amount ofalcohol as 5 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of domestic beer.
Much of the resistance to approving an All Beverage license is around the children’s visual
proximity to the Taproom, claiming their ability to view adults consuming alcohol and watchthe televisions and activity in the Taproom is impacting them negatively. Many state that if
that if the Taproom was a brewery or a restaurant this wouldn’t be an issue but the sale of hardalcohol creates a difference. These claims are without merit and could be said regardless of
the type of business in this location which zoned as b-3/central business district. The Taproomserves all of its beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) on draught and in glassware, there are
no bottles or cans – thus this claim is insinuating that a school aged child, while in theirclassroom, is making the separation between a glass of diet coke and a scotch ale or a mixed
drink. A coffee shop or generic restaurant could just as easily have customers on the rooftopdrinking beverages out of a glass with or without food at their table. A gym or office could
just as easily have TV’s and/or computers visible through the open doors. Bottom line, thewest facing windows of Hawthorne Elementary face a very busy state highway and a
downtown b-3 zoned area. While the Taproom’s business is new, the activity and noiseoutside those windows and the service of alcohol near this school is not.
An important distinction that has not yet been discussed at length is the Taproom’s investment
its kitchen and food options. The Taproom has an extensive menu and has created lunchspecials in efforts to provide another great walkable location for downtown employees and
tourists alike to have lunch. Adding distilled spirits to the menu will not change this focus andI have a hard time buying into the idea that suddenly because distilled spirits are available the
crowd will turn from downtown professionals having lunch to belligerent bar patrons – theTaproom is not the location, the price point or the atmosphere to attract this type of daytime
crowd.
Finally to respond to the comments and concerns that there is “unregulated consumption ofalcohol” and that “individuals with orders or protection can use the rooftop to view children”
are completely without merit. The Taproom has been issued a state license to serve alcoholand through that must comply with all laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Taproom has
the right to refuse service to anyone based on their discretion - to say individuals would bewelcomed into the establishment to prey on children is a stretch and purely invokes an
irrational fear in parents.
While each community member is entitled to their opinions I do not feel as though the vocalminority should have the ability to dictate how a business operates based on their opinions and
feelings rather than the law.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kara Gallinger
1108 Alder Creek Drive
Bozeman, MT 59715