BEAUMONT, Texas — A petition meant to help a popular Beaumont bar keep its outdoor games and swings is circulating, gathering more than 2,000 signatures in a matter of days.
Councilman Mike Getz said Little Woodrow's applied for a restaurant permit when it opened. However, the city said it should be classified as a bar.
"It was overwhelming, the parking lot was causing crowd control issues and it was starting to become a problem," said Getz.
After complaints from nearby businesses about overcrowding at the bar, management agreed with the city to self-limit the bar's occupancy.
With more than 51% of revenue coming from alcohol sales, Little Woodrow's was forced to operate as a bar, reducing its occupancy limit from 750 to 400.
Councilman Getz said the city was one vote away from allowing the bar to police its own occupancy.
The vote required at least six votes since more than 25% of surrounding landowners voiced opposition.
Councilman Taylor Neild was absent and councilwoman Robin Mouton voted against the expansion.
The petition is calling for the city council to vote on the issue again with the full council in attendance.
If a solution isn't reached, the bar may have to remove its benches, games and swings from its outdoor patio.
Media partners at the Beaumont Enterprise report that the lawn activities weren't a part of the business' original permit request.
Little Woodrow's Beaumont location opened in July.
Getz says he hopeful that the council will get the situation resolved at the December 3rd council meeting.
RELATED: Beaumont's Little Woodrow's may lose its outdoor area if permit issue with city isn't resolved
