By Parker Leavitt | The Arizona Republic
Gilbert is considering tagging its historical downtown area as an entertainment district, a legal designation that provides a way around separation requirements for bars that want to set up shop near worship houses or schools.
Town officials plan to hold an open house on June 17 to give the public an opportunity to learn more about the issue, ask questions and weigh in with any comments or concerns.
State statute defines an entertainment district as an area no larger than 1 square mile that contains “a significant number of entertainment, artistic and cultural venues.” They may include music halls, theaters, arenas, museums, studios, galleries, restaurants and bars, according to the statute.
State law typically requires that bars be at least 300 feet away from a school or church. There are at least four churches within the downtown Heritage District, and a few other churches and schools are just outside the redevelopment area’s boundaries.
