"Four years after public outcry nixed a proposal to allow alcohol sales at Zilker Café, City Council now appears willing, if not eager, to permit the use. At Tuesday's work session, Council members questioned whether the vendor up for approval at Thursday's meeting could generate sufficient revenue without beer and wine sales, which the city prohibited in its request for proposals. Several Council members suggested that reopening the solicitation process - this time allowing alcohol sales - might serve to attract local vendors."
"Finding a concessionaire to operate the long-vacant Zilker Cafe has been an arduous process. Four years ago, the plan to sell beer and wine touched off a local firestorm because the café is located just steps away from the Barton Springs Pool entrance. Longtime swimmers and parents of young children spoke in opposition at public meetings; an online petition quickly populated with names of opponents; and lifeguards and pool staff spoke of the difficulty of managing intoxicated patrons and keeping alcohol out of the pool."
City Council questioned whether a vendor could generate sufficient revenue without beer and wine sales after the city prohibited alcohol in its request for proposals. Only Legacy Hospitality and Entertainment Group LLC, an out-of-state firm, submitted a bid. The item was withdrawn after City Manager T.C. Broadnax said he would consult staff. CFO Ed Van Eenoo suggested treating some concession agreements as real estate leases to attract local businesses, citing the Central Library agreement. Opposition previously centered on the café's proximity to Barton Springs Pool and concerns about intoxicated patrons; Parks Board and Planning Commission denied permits then.
Read at Austin Monitor
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