Officials approve variance on Main

CLOVIS - In what has become a common scene over the last few months, a back-and-forth brewed between private investors wanting to add an outdoor taproom on Main Street, and members of nearby churches who wished and prayed the city commission wouldn't allow it.

The result was familiar, too, with the commission approving the necessary variance - save Commissioner Gary Elliott's dissenting vote.

Following a half-hour discussion on the damage alcohol causes versus allowing residents to make their own choices, the commission voted 6-1 in favor of granting a variance to Red Door Brewery to set up an outdoor taproom at its recently purchased property on 412 and 414 Main Street.

A public hearing will still be required for the commission to approve that off-site brewer distribution license. The variance was necessary because the former Levine's Building is within 300 feet of both the Potter's House Church and Waypoint Christian Church.

Thursday actually marked the second time the commission had considered a variance for the property. Foote Brewing Company received a variance in a 7-1 vote in February, but since withdrew its interest in the property.

Red Door was second in line, and purchased the property for $5,000. Matt Biggs, managing member for Red Door, said during that July 25 meeting he intended to seek the permit and wanted to add the taproom based on the success of its location at Mainline Bowl.

Still, Potter House members were hopeful for a change of heart.

"My prayer has been for all of you that God's called you to be stewards for Clovis," said Potter House pastor Peter Aulson. "God doesn't want to open up the doors for alcohol. You're in a position where you can protect people in this city."

He asked the commissioners if they would be so quick to approve such a variance if it was happening next to the church they attend. Commissioner Sandra Taylor-Sawyer said that situation did come up, and she had no problem approving the request.

"We all have to make our own decisions, and he does give us the free will," Taylor-Sawyer said. "Whether the bottle is in front of you or not, it's your decision."

Aulson said in regards to the 300-foot threshold that he'd prefer a 3,000-foot threshold but he was powerless to change that. The 300-foot rule, he said, was put in by people who didn't think churches and alcohol mixed.

Elliott agreed, and felt some latitude was owed to churches that were there first.

"I hear you, and I know you've worked hard to counsel addiction," Elliott said to Aulson. "I can see how it would be an issue for your ministry. If it's to be, it must be somewhere else."

Doug Downs, a member of the church, said he didn't like the idea of allowing alcohol to make its way to downtown Clovis.

"I used to have a severe drinking problem," Downs said. "It was in 1984 I came to Potter's House and I was saved by Jesus Christ. I haven't touched alcohol since."

Mary Downs echoed her husband's concerns.

"That's not what we want Main Street to be about," she said. "We are putting kids at risk with this kind of environment."

Lisa Pellegrino-Spear, executive director of Clovis MainStreet, argued the taproom was what residents wanted on Main Street. She noted a recent survey by the organization that showed 79 percent of residents encouraged a downtown brewery.

The off-site license does not work as a beer and wine license does, in that the latter requires food sales with drinks. Biggs said applicants have to serve New Mexico-brewed beer and wine and almost always serve their own product. Regarding food options, Biggs said, "Our goal is to work with food trucks as best as we can."

Karen Williams and Terri Steele, both Potter House members, had concerns regarding evening services.

"I can't see people drinking so close to where we are with our children," Williams said. "I believe this is going to set a precedent on Main Street."

Once all public comment was made, Mayor David Lansford asked for the will of the commission. After a few seconds of silence, Commissioner Rube Render motioned for approval. After the meeting, Render said he felt a precedent had been established in February when the commission approved variances for Foote and another brewery.

"We can't keep going back and forth on this," Render said.