Council clears first reading for variance to allow alcohol sales at 2804 North Lawrence (Z Venue)

On May 21 the Victoria City Council approved first reading of an ordinance amending a variance to section 14-10(b) of the city code to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages (wine and malt beverages) at 2804 North Lawrence Street, Suite 200 (the proposed Z Venue).

Planning staff explained the request and the variance process, noting that the property contains a daycare (Tiny Sprouts) on the same parcel. Staff clarified measurement rules under the city code and referenced the definition used from the Texas Human Resources Code for childcare facilities. Staff presented a map showing that while front-door-to-front-door distances exceed 300 feet, because the daycare and the venue are on the same property the property-line measurement reads as zero feet; the ordinance would make an exception in this instance.

Lupi Zapata, managing member of Zapata Family LLC, told council the company acquired the roughly 25,000-square-foot building with plans to operate Mr. Getty's Pizza and expand into a venue; he said the venue required the variance to update licensing for Suite 200. Zapata said, "We're grateful for all of the support that they've given us," and asked council for consideration to allow alcohol sales at the 200 side.

After hearing no additional public comment, a councilmember moved to amend the variance and another seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote during first reading and staff will return with any required follow-up at future readings.

The presentation and the owner's remarks are part of the public record for the first reading; council did not record a roll-call vote for this motion.

Next steps: the ordinance was approved on first reading and will return for subsequent readings as required by the city's ordinance procedure.