Libby City Council moves forward with new ordinances
Downtown business sidewalk encroachment and open containers
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
July 23, 2014
On Monday, July 21, 2014, the Libby City Council passed on second reading, Ordinance 1849 and 1850.
Ordinance 18-49 deals with sidewalk encroachment by downtown businesses using the sidewalk to display merchandise or to provide outside dining on the sidewalk. The ordinance now requires a permit and an accompanying annual fee, for use of the sidewalk, and based on the square footage used for enclosed cafes, on the sidewalk. The fee is yet to be determined. That determination will be made by the ordinance committee and referred to the council. For final determination. The ordinance specifically addresses sidewalk cafes. Smoking is prohibited in sidewalk café areas. Serving of alcohol is limited only to those seated at tables. Food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages must be served in glass containers. Sale of alcohol in sidewalk establishments will not be permitted after 9:30pm. The area must be fenced by a minimum four foot fence.
Ordinance 18-50 provides for enforcement of the open container ordinance on private property such as privately –owned parking lots open for public parking. Outdoor venues such as sidewalk cafes, open air restaurants and outside taverns adjacent to the licensed business serving food and alcoholic beverages would be exempt.
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By Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, e-mail: klcb@frontiernet.net, www.klcb-ktny.com.
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