Moratorium on package stores extended as city mulls new ordinance

Published 10:00 am Thursday, August 29, 2024

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The City of LaGrange extended its moratorium on new package stores within the city as it works to finalize a potential new ordinance to regulate where such stores can be.

The city’s current moratorium was set to expire on Sep. 12. During the council meeting on Tuesday, the city extended the moratorium 90 days as it works on the ordinance.

The council also called for a public hearing to hear comments from the public on the potential ordinance, which would no longer permit package stores within Corridor Mixed-Use and Downtown Mixed-Use districts. Package stores, going forward, would only be permitted in Activity Center Mixed-Use districts.

The ordinance would also forbid new package stores within 750 feet of residential districts and add daycares to the list of locations they cannot be near.

Package stores would still be allowed in Activity Center zoning such as near the LaGrange Mall or Great Wolf Lodge, they would however be forbidden from thoroughfares such as Whitesville Road and Hamilton Road.

The council stopped short of previously discussed regulations, which would have potentially limited the total number of package stores within the city based on population.

The extension of the moratorium was needed as Mayor Jim Arrington noted at least three people inquired about starting liquor stores since the previous council meeting.

 The council called for a public hearing to hear comments from the public on the potential new ordinance on Oct. 8.