Council grants three liquor permits, including neighborhood taproom and outdoor concert license

The Omaha City Council on May 6 approved three separate liquor and special-event permits on the consent and public hearing portions of the agenda.

Item 6: Charles Olsen, applicant for La Vita (Alta 1897) at 2620 North Main Street in Elkhorn, described plans to restore the 1897 landmark building and operate restaurants there. Olsen said he and his wife are committed to downtown Elkhorn and asked for city support. Councilmember Harding moved approval; the council voted 7–0.

Item 7: Bill Shellpepper and Jason Seibert asked for a Class C taproom license for Zaska Beer Company at 3548 Center Street, emphasizing a neighborhood‑oriented, craft‑beer concept with controlled hours, ID checks and managed noise levels. Shellpepper said they do not plan a late‑night bar and would work with neighborhood associations on parking and operations; the council approved the license 7–0.

Item 8: Ross Coley requested a special designated liquor license for an outdoor concert at the Broke Down Palace (800–805 Maple Street). Councilmembers noted the event's past good record and supported approval of the permit with music allowed until 1 a.m.; the motion passed 7–0.

Council discussion of the items focused on operational controls, hours and neighborhood engagement rather than policy changes. All three motions passed unanimously.