Uptown is one of Dallas’ hottest neighborhoods. Everyone knows McKinney Avenue as the place you want to be when you want to get a drink. A proposed new rule would require McKinney Avenue bar owners to get a special permit to continue serving liquor after midnight. Bar owners are banding together to fight the proposal, but some locals are concerned about the impact of having busy, heavily trafficked bars in their neighborhood.

The new zoning rule was proposed in late 2015. Proponents of the rule say that stricter standards would protect Uptown from suffering fates similar to those of other neighborhoods known for their nightlife, such as Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville. Residents of these neighborhoods have complained about the negative impacts associated with being a late-night destination, such as increased crime and drunken disorderliness.

Photo by Mckinney Ave / CC BY

The bar owners fighting the proposal point out that many existing ordinances are already in place to curb disruptive behavior at the bars. Suburbs such as Plano and Frisco have expanded their hours for serving alcohol to 2 a.m.; the trend seems to point to expanding liquor service hours, not restricting them.

Uptown bar Parliament owner Eddie Campbell told Eater Dallas that up to 40 percent of his business income occurs in the hours between midnight and 2 a.m. An ordinance banning liquor sales after midnight would represent a significant loss of income for him and other bar owners.

The new ordinance could substantially change the character of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Dallas. Some residents would welcome quieter streets at night, but many choose to live in Uptown specifically because of its proximity to nightlife.

The Dallas City Council zoning commission was hearing public comment on the issue at a meeting on April 27.