Council Approves Variance Allowing Alcohol Sales at 26 N. Dallas Ave., Tied to Property Improvements

The Lancaster City Council voted to approve a variance that allows alcoholic beverage sales at 26 N. Dallas Avenue despite the property being within 300 feet of school property. The motion—moved by a council member and seconded by another member—required the property owner to meet specified conditions related to landscaping, property maintenance code standards and structural repairs; staff will sign off when those conditions are satisfied before the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) permit is transferred to a new operator.

During public testimony, business owner Michael Frank said the site previously received a variance in 2019 and that the approval had increased the taxable value and local revenue. Frank said management has changed and the TABC license must be reissued in the new operator's name. "We've been there for 45 years... the minute y'all gave me the variance the next year, it almost doubled," Frank said while describing repaving, lighting and other improvements. City staff told council the property is about 180.94 feet from the school's property line and noted the applicant has recorded permit activity, including seven permits with the most recent in 2025. Legal counsel advised that measurable, enforceable conditions can be added and staff can reduce agreed conditions into a document for sign-off.

Council members debated whether to delay for a return with documented improvements or to approve with specific requirements. The motion that passed required the owner to "bring the property up to Lancaster code of ordinances related to landscaping, property maintenance code and structural improvements" with staff verification; the council completed a roll-call vote and the motion carried. Roll-call results read into the record were: Council member Strandberg—Aye; Council member Jaglowski—Aye; Council member Mejia—Aye; Mayor Clyde C. Hairston—No; Council member Robinson—Aye; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Chido—No; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gwen Davis—Aye.