Due to some zoning issues, many bars in the Germantown-Schnitzelburg neighborhoods had to close their patios, but that is now being reversed. Bars in the area that have been cited can have drinking and live music outside on their patios by being grandfathered in and approved in an appeal hearing. The Louisville Board of Zoning and Alcoholic Beverage Control review proof that the location has supported outdoor drinking almost continuously for 29 years.
Nach Bar received its approval October 18 and Seidenfaden’s is scheduled for a meeting this week. Some of this success is due to public upset. Germantown residents and bar-goers from around the city called Councilman King’s office and got his office involved after the ABC shut down local patios in July. People also came downtown to attend Nach Bar’s appeal, and the bar has offered to pay any parking tickets received while showing support.
This is happening a little late in the outdoor-drinking season, but it is still much welcomed as many bar owners have seen this damage their business during a time when people aren’t spending freely to begin with. Nach Bar was hurting to the point that a lot of their staff suddenly became expendable. This helped them get a small injunction that allowed patrons to visit one of the patios until the hearing. Now the rest of the Germantown-Schnitzelburg bars are waiting to appeal, and to celebrate with a beer under the moon.
Picture: courtesy Nach Bar
