What’s Going on in Omaha?
The number of problem alcohol outlets has steadily increased across Omaha, contributing to community violence and blight. Citizens feel powerless with no effective means to protect their homes and children or to reverse the downward spiral affecting their neighborhoods.
How Did We Get Here?
The State system for issuing alcohol licenses and monitoring their operations is broken. All decisions are currently made by the State Liquor Control Commission, which largely ignores input from Omaha residents while protecting the economic interest of the alcohol industry.
It’s time for this to change.
What’s the Solution?
We propose a new ordinance to give Omaha the authority to make its own alcohol licensing decisions through zoning restrictions to protect the quality of life throughout the City.
The Omaha City Council voted against 13 of the 20 Walgreens’ liquor license applications to protect neighborhoods from further disintegration by the proliferation of alcohol outlets. Two months later, the State Liquor Control Commission ignored the City’s recommendation of denial and citizens’ protest, granting Walgreens’ liquor license applications.
> The Omaha City Council got it right.
Howell’s BP Case
Basing its decision on documented violence and crime, including a December homicide where a store clerk was shot dead, the Omaha City Council recommended a denial to the Commission for Howell’s BP’s liquor license at 7166 N. 30 St. The Commission granted the liquor license, despite the City’s recommendation of denial and citizens’ protest. The City Council understands the need to address outlets that become magnets for crime and violence.
> It’s time to Let Omaha Control its Alcohol Landscape with a city ordinance.
“The current liquor licensing process gives residents little say in what happens in their neighborhood. We’re working together with others who are about the safety and quality of life to address problem alcohol outlets at a local level where our voice counts.”
- Chris Foster, Gifford Park Neighborhood Association