By Parker Leavitt | The Arizona Republic
The Gilbert Town Council on Oct. 3 approved the formation of a downtown “entertainment district” that allows officials to waive separation-distance rules for breweries and bars seeking to locate near churches and schools.
Town officials touted the district as a tool to boost economic development in Gilbert’s historical downtown, which is in the midst of major redevelopment.
“It provides an opportunity to create a full-service downtown with a variety of uses, not all of which could locate there under the present conditions,” zoning administrator Mike Milillo said.
State law typically requires liquor establishments to be at least 300 feet away from schools and churches, though restaurants, hotels and special events are already exempt from that rule.
