By Katie Mayer | Special to East Valley Tribune
The Gilbert Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday decided to recommend that the Town Council designate an arts, culture and entertainment district in the downtown Heritage District.
The designation of the new district would not affect zoning in the town, but would instead lift the ban on certain types of liquor establishments operating within 300 feet of schools and churches. The council is scheduled to hear the recommendation on Sept. 5.
Under the current rule, the town council must automatically deny any requests for liquor licenses from any bar, microbrewery, wine bar or liquor store, within 300 feet of a school or church said Mike Milillo, Gilbert zoning administrator. Restaurants, hotels and motels are exempt.
However, if the council formally designates the proposed area as an arts, culture and entertainment district — which it is permitted to do under state law – then businesses seeking certain types of liquor licenses in the area will be considered on a case by case basis.
