Councilors object to waiving second reading on Smokehouse Tavern permit amid neighborhood complaints

Several councilors objected to waiving the second reading of a permit for the Smokehouse Tavern after residents and members raised concerns about the establishment's compliance history and whether it would truly provide food service.

Councilor Mcdana and Councilor Robinson pressed city staff to confirm whether permit criteria include checks for outstanding fines, liquor-license infractions or a functioning kitchen before granting outdoor-dining privileges. "If we're not serving food on the sidewalk, are we just... drinking?" Councillor Dakota asked, citing neighborhood complaints about noise and trash.

Assistant City Manager Rose and a DPD representative said the permitting process checks for outstanding fines and certain violations, but some of the criteria might be expanded; DPD and development services currently look at outstanding fines and license status, and the administration said it could return with tightened application questions. Several councilors asked that police (LPD) be included in reviewing applications where neighborhood public-safety concerns have been raised.

Councilors did not complete a final vote on the permit that night; one councilor objected to waiving the second reading, which meant the item must return for a second reading at a future meeting.

No formal permit approval occurred during the meeting; members asked staff to return with clarified criteria and more information from DPD and LPD.