Just for my personal knowledge, are there two types of liquor licenses available? I always hear about the issue with restaurants needing 150 seats to qualify to purchase the license. Is there a separate type of license that bar only establishments can obtain (like Rogue or Loft on King St, or Sidecar in San marco for example).
Yes a COP 4 license, which is what true bars and liquor stores have. Which are limited artificially by population, hence there is a monopoly in effect, they trade hands for in excess of $300k when they are available. similar to taxi medallions in rationing. SRX is an accommodation to restaurants, but you have square footage (2,500) and minimum seating requirements (150) and must have total revenues equal 51% food sales and 49% beverage sales. The J Bill introduced after the secret Biscotti's licensing attempt reduces these to 100 seats but only in a few designated areas in 5 points, Avondale etc. Not this strip.
Thanks!
This strip is eligible for an exception allowing a 60 seat restaurant. In NY, Chicago, LA, Boston, San Francisco etc... there are hundreds of sub 60 seat restaurants... A 60 seater could make money in that spot WITH alchohol sales.
But Jax hates alcohol sales... so they create massive disincentives for people to come in and start businesses while reusing existing spaces... forcing gigantic renovations, knock downs, new structures instead. which increases capital costs and return rate requirements and risk...
When was the last time you were in Mello or Mojo at 10PM and couldn't get a seat? Large empty spaces...
