Open Harvest has been working for years to get a liquor license. We are currently prohibited by a local city ordinance due to the proximity to a residential district behind us. In 2017 we finally got some traction with a liquor license text amendment. We are hopeful, but the fight is far from over.
On January 29th, the Lincoln City Council will hold a public hearing on our text amendment change that would allow us and other grocery stores in older neighborhoods to apply for a liquor license.
We are confident our amendment will not only benefit Open Harvest, but other current and future retail grocery businesses, by:
- Allowing us to provide a wide assortment of products to our customers.
- Encouraging increased food access in core neighborhoods by allowing grocery stores to be competitive
- Providing measurable levels of separation to protect neighborhoods and other businesses
- Creating a process for application that includes annual proof of fresh food sales and valid permitting
Most importantly, this amendment supports smart city planning and aligns with Guiding Principles found in the Lincoln / Lancaster LPlan 2040.
This petition initially started over a year ago, and we've already gathered hundreds of signatures in the store. We are now trying to throw our net a little wider.
Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word!
Sincerely,
Amy Tabor
General Manager
Open Harvest Co-op Grocery
