GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – The distance between alcohol establishments and local schools or places of worship in Gainesville could soon change under a new proposal being presented to city leaders.
During Thursday’s City of Gainesville commission meeting, commissioners will address a proposal from the Department of Sustainable Development that would adjust the city’s current buffer zone requirements for establishments selling alcohol.
Stricter Limits Near Schools
Under current city rules, bars and alcohol establishments must be located at least 400 feet away from K-12 schools. The new proposal seeks to increase that buffer to 500 feet.
According to city staff, the adjustment is intended to align Gainesville’s municipal codes with Florida State Statute, which mandates a 500-foot buffer unless a city specifically votes to waive it for the community’s welfare. An internal analysis indicates that extending the buffer by 100 feet could impact up to 11 local schools and cover roughly 66 acres of zoning.
Eliminating Buffer Zones for Churches
While school buffer zones may expand, restrictions near houses of worship could disappear entirely…