Lower Downtown District, Inc.

Are We Asking The Right Question?

Jul 18, 2000

Increasingly, I'm asked, "Don't you think there enough Lower Downtown bars and restaurants that serve alcohol?" Or, more simply, "How many do you think we
need?"
The question is being asked more and more often. Most recently, I was asked during a liquor license hearing for another proposed establishment in Lower Downtown. My response was then as it is now, "There is no right number of establishments that we need or should allow into our neighborhood."
Granted, we have many bars and restaurants in Lower Downtown, probably as many as any other neighborhood in the city. Most are well-run and good neighbors. A few, unfortunately, aren't. And, management, to me, is the issue.
The question isn't the number of establishments and whether we need one more or not, but rather, "What is the quality of the management being proposed and what
is it committed to?" The answer to this management question should determine whether a proposed establishment is allowed to open in Lower Downtown.
We should welcome any owner who understands and commits to being a good neighbor, and who understands that the success of each business is dependent upon
everyone working together to maintain a clean, safe and attractive neighborhood. A good owner will embrace the expectations contained in the Good Neighbor Handbook.
Good ownership will commit to prohibiting outdoor music and limiting late-night service on decks and patios, and will commit to cleaning up and controlling its
patrons at closing.
Good ownership will voluntarily assert peer pressure on uncooperative establishments to turn them around. A good owner will join and support our Lower downtown organizations and participate in their events and activities.
There is no place in Lower Downtown for any establishment without this kind of committed ownership. No question.