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Callaway's may get liquor license By
Kelsie Clark SMITHFIELD -- After an extensive discussion Wednesday, the City Council decided to set a public hearing on the issue of whether Callaway's restaurant should be allowed to serve alcohol. Current Utah Code says that a restaurant cannot sell alcohol if it is within 600 feet of a school, and City Manager Jim Gass says Smithfield's ordinance is even more restrictive. "I would like to ask first of all to change the city's ordinance to comply with the state's, and to have a variance on that," said Bob Callaway, owner of an Italian restaurant at 54 N. Main. Callaway says his business has been dramatically affected by his inability to serve alcohol, especially since 80 percent of his customers come from outside of Smithfield, and almost all of his competitors have liquor licenses. He assured the council that the restaurant doesn't open its doors until 4:30 p.m. and that he would consider waiting even later to begin selling alcohol, so there would be no possible impact on children passing by after school. In addition, Callaway explained, he would not sell any hard liquor, and would abide by the rule that a customer can only have one drink in front of them at a time. "Hey, I don't want anyone stumbling out drunk and throwing up all that good food they just ate," he said. The council agreed to some degree that they all have concerns about the request, but several council members also voiced their respect and appreciation for Callaway and his business. "I feel like this is the last thing I ever saw myself voting for," said Councilwoman Kris Monson. "But I just feel like you have done so much for the city, that we need to help you out any way we can." Councilman Preston Watts says they should consider Callaway's request because the restaurant is so valuable to the city. "It's hard enough to keep businesses in town," he said. "Logan's giving it [alcohol] to everyone. He's got a good business, a good clientele -- he's succeeding here. We ought to listen," Watts said. Councilman Jeff Gittins says his problem is with the aftermath that could occur if the council grants Callaway's request. "I think you need to look down the road," Gittins said. "If you let this one business, you're going to have to let others. And I think we need to consider what our community wants, not focus so much on the business end of it." The council concluded that the community deserves the right to speak on this issue before a decision is made. Gass says he will contact the state and set up a time for a public hearing. In other business, the council approved the fire department's purchase of a new fire truck for the amount of $137,600. They also approved UDOT's offer to install 15 streetlights on North Main, from 500 North to 800 North.
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