In January 2009, the city formed a team to assess regulations pertaining to restaurants with alcohol sales, taverns (i.e., bars, lounges, pubs, etc.) and nightclubs.  This effort addressed recognized deficiencies in the regulatory scheme for these facilities. Consequently, these deficiencies  resulted in inconsistent regulation of some facilities. 

As a result of our public and internal meetings with the Police Dept., we drafted an ordinance that we believe reflects contemporary business practices and provides greater options for businesses, while still protecting the integrity of neighborhoods.

The following is a synopsis of the ordinance:

1. Creates clear and concise definitions in comparison to our previous regulations that did not reflect current practices 
2. Makes the process more transparent and requires additional public participation and outreach
3. Allows all legally established businesses to continue to operate subject to compliance with the conditions that were placed on the particular establishment at the time of their approval
4. Treats all similar uses the same by zone district
5. Permits taverns in zone districts that have historically prohibited said use
6. Allows establishments to stay open later and permits dancing subject to obtaining the proper permits
7. Eliminates the Dance Permit process however still regulate the hours of dancing
8. Allows places in downtown Fresno to stay open until 4 a.m.
9. Reduces parking requirements for all restaurants and greatly reduces parking requirements in downtown

(Note that operators seeking to stay open later must apply for a Conditional Use Permit even though they may already have one, for the new regulations to apply to their establishment.)

Consolidated Ordinance
Ordinance (full version) (as approved by the City Council on Oct. 22, 2009 and effective on Nov. 23, 2009)

Planning Commission Report (Sept. 16, 2009)
Environmental Assessment (Sept. 4, 200)

For additional information please contact Arnoldo Rodriguez at (559) 621-8172 or via e-mail at Arnoldo.Rodriguez@fresno.gov.