Reno Reporter

City of Reno recently issued the following announcement.

At its November 10, 2021 Regular Meeting, the Reno City Council will hear *four items meant to improve the quality of life for downtown Reno residents and visitors:

D.3.1 - Code amendments regulating package alcohol and package wine and beer sales in what will be known as the Downtown Safe Scape Area

D.3.2 - Business Impact Statement related to the code amendments

D.3.3 - Ordinance Introduction related to Package Alcohol and Safe Scape development regulations (Title 18)

D.3.4 - Ordinance Introduction related to Package Alcohol and Safe Scape code regulations (Title 5)

*Click on the agenda item to read the Staff Report.

These updates to Reno Municipal Code Title 18 (Annexation and Land Use Code) and Title 5 (Privileged Licenses, Permits and Franchises) address Council’s previous direction to staff to review package alcohol regulations, research best practices, and prepare amendments to address identified concerns related to public health and safety.

Together, the amendments would:

• Contribute to Council’s and the community’s strategic goals as related to the creation of a clean, safe, and vibrant downtown;
• Enhance criteria for Council review of privilege business licenses for “package liquor” and “package wine and beer”;
• Establish “primary” and “accessory” land use categories, allowed locations, development review procedures, and use-specific standards for package alcohol and package wine and beer establishments; and
• Expand limitations for package alcohol and package wine and beer sales in the area to be known as “Downtown Safe Scape Area.” In conjunction, other areas will be designated as “Safe Scape Areas,” which will include the newly defined Downtown Safe Scape Area as well as 1,000-foot “Buffer” areas around it and the East Fourth Street Corridor. Key additions include requirements for overnight security, sale of perishable (fresh) food, and prohibitions/limitations on single-serving package alcohol sales. Compliance would be required within 18 months following approval of the ordinance.

The City of Reno held a series of public workshops to gather input from businesses and stakeholders. For more information and background on the engagement process, visit Reno.gov.

If you would like to make Public Comment on these or other Council agenda items:

• Use our online Public Comment Form.
• Email publiccomment@reno.gov.
• Leave a voicemail at 775-393-4499.
• Those wishing to address the Reno City Council in person shall submit a “Request to Speak” form to the City Clerk at the meeting.

Original source can be found here.