SALT LAKE CITY — Some people were opposed to the liquor. Most were concerned about parking. Either way, all but one member of the overflow crowd who spoke out at Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting opposed a full-service bar in their neighborhood.

The proposed BrewHaHa Tavern, which would have been part bar and part drive-through deli, sought a conditional use permit to begin business at 2108 E. 1300 South, an area residents say doesn't have sufficient parking for patrons who would likely come from the University of Utah or other areas of Salt Lake City.

After more than three hours of combined comment from the would-be tavern's owner, Bryce Jones, representatives from two community councils and more than 30 of the neighborhood's residents, the Salt Lake City Planning Commission decided unanimously to deny the permit, drawing applause from the crowd that had remained through the lengthy meeting.

Wolf Sommerkorn, Salt Lake City's planning director, announced at the beginning of the pubic hearing that the commission's decision would be based strictly on whether the tavern met requirements for the permit, not on the board's opinion.

Planning commissioners cited an inability to mitigate negative neighborhood impact because of restrictions on controlling business hours, the need for patron parking on residential streets and a lack of on-site parking.

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Jones was on the defensive when he addressed the Planning Commission prior to the public hearing, his voice terse as he rebutted concerns about safety for children walking through the neighborhood, noise disturbances, light pollution and, most extensively, parking, which Jones called "the boogeyman" of the issue.

Jones predicted one-third of customers would walk, bike or take public transit to reach his business. He also said the parking impact would be lower because he didn't expect his business to reach maximum occupancy.

Jones had met the minimum requirement of six parking spaces and contended he had located more than 60 feasible parking spots near his business.

Some of those are in front of homes, though Jones said he would discourage patrons from parking there.

"Just because there are spaces, you think people want cars parked there all day?" asked Lisa Adams, a member of the Planning Commission. "Asking customers to be courteous. … I think that's wishful thinking, Mr. Jones."

Jones' comments included allegations that a neighboring business was fueling the opposition in hopes of obtaining his location, as well as a threat: If BrewHaHa wasn't granted permits to operate as a tavern, or the business got tied up in appeals or litigation, he would seek zoning as a restaurant, which could have a greater negative impact on the area.

"If we are unable to operate as tavern for any reason … we will be forced to operate as a full-service restaurant with full liquor license," he said. "If anyone hopes to drive us out of the neighborhood and prevent us from serving alcoholic beverages, which is what most the brouhaha is really about, we have a backup plan and we will not be denied."

As a restaurant, Jones could open his business at the current location, which has already been zoned for a commercial business, without need of a conditional-use permit or approval from the Planning Commission.

Public comment came from longtime residents, new families and a PTA president, all arguing forcefully against the tavern.

"Mr. Jones has done wonderful job of unifying both drinkers and non-drinkers on this issue, and the issue is parking," Marie Cornwall said. "The axiom 'build a bike rack and they will come' does not apply."

Residents also balked at instituting a residential permit program, the only apparent option for prohibiting patrons from parking in front of their homes at a cost of about $35 per year.

"I'm not here to take a side one way or another. … I don't think the residents should have to pick up the tab for a business that's going to require additional parking," said Roger MacDuff, who is also a business owner.

Jones' single supporter, who identified herself as his friend, said she was in support of community growth.

"Parking is not the issue. I believe it's alcohol. We all love alcohol. Some of us may not admit it, but we do," said Carol Goode." I'm asking you to approve this permit. Mr. Jones is an entrepreneur, and Salt Lake City loves entrepreneurship."

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