City rescinds 1,000 ft. ordinance

Olney City Council met Feb. 22. Most of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing applicants to replace the city secretary position that Tim Houston held. Also, the other major highlight of the meeting was the review of the rule by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), which states that cities are authorized to pass 300 ft. alcohol-free zones around schools, with an exception to extend the distance to 1,000 ft. in cities with a population of 900,000 or greater.

In a previous meeting, the City Council mandated that establishments selling alcohol would be required to be located at least 1,000 ft. from schools. Oscar Munoz, who recently purchased a lot from the school that he planned to use for a restaurant where he would sell alcohol, protested the Council’s mandate stating, “The decision is not right.” Munoz was willing to involve Gov. Greg Abbott if necessary.

“I’m asking Gov. Greg Abbott to come and do a thorough investigation of the City’s political practices to see if there’s any personal businesses or entities manipulating the decisions,” Munoz said in a previous article.

After reconsideration, Mayor Rue Rogers said, “After further evaluation and discussion, the Council determined the resolution needed to be revoked. Though none of us believe alcohol sales within 1,000 ft. of the school is prudent, there is a bad law that unfairly discriminates between urban and rural areas and public and private schools. The school district and Council acted in good faith in our attempt to create a safe environment for the students of Olney ISD.”

Although Olney’s citizens remain divided on this issue, according to a Facebook Poll launched by Olney Enterprise, Oscar Munoz was elated to hear about the Council’s decision to rescind the mandate.

“When we stop listening to the vote of the people, we no longer serve the people. Injustice is a threat to justice. I will stand for justice even if I am the only one standing. #OLNEYSTRONG,” Munoz said.

The next City Council meeting will be at City Hall March 8, at 6 p.m.