Hearing tonight on Marion bar rule

MARION - When the Community Baptist Church moved into uptown Marion, city leaders quickly realized its presence could have an effect on nearby businesses.

A local ordinance says bars must be at least 200 feet away from churches and schools. The rule dates to the 1960s, before many of today's zoning laws and liquor ordinances were in place.

"As time has changed and the liquor license rules have changed, that restriction becomes less necessary," City Manager Lon Pluckhahn said.

So some city officials want to eliminate the 200-foot requirement in the 12-block uptown area, which is roughly bordered by Fifth Avenue, Ninth Avenue, 10th Street and 13th Street.

But one pastor doesn't want to make it easier for bars to move closer to his congregation.

"We're quite concerned with driving while impaired and the presence of children and, of course, the various liabilities that go along with it," said Mike Morgan of the First United Methodist Church. "Not only do we prefer not to have an establishment like that nearby, but we think it's better for public safety."

City leaders disagree, saying it makes sense to change the rules for the cultural and entertain­ment district. 'The ordinance, the way it's written right now, protects the interests of the churches and schools, but it doesn't do anything to protect the interests of the other businesses,' Pluckhahn said.

One proposal allows bars to open anywhere in uptown. Another requires new establishments near churches to sell more food than alcohol. Either way, bars that want to open elsewhere in Marion still have to maintain the 200-foot buffer.

The City Council will hold the first of three public hearings and votes on the issue at 7 p.m. tonight at City Hall.