BEAUMONT, Texas — One of Beaumont's most popular bars may have to make major changes thanks to permit issues with the City of Beaumont.
Little Woodrow's applied for a restaurant permit when it opened. However, the city said it should be classified as a bar.
Councilman Mike Getz said they were just one vote away from allowing this popular bar to take matters in its own hands.
"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.
"When Little Woodrow's first applied for a permit, they applied as a restaurant and not a bar," said Getz.
With 51 percent of its sales coming from alcohol, little Woodrow's was forced to operate as a bar, which reduces its occupancy limit from 750 to 400 people.
Tuesday, the council considered a special use permit. The council needed six votes to pass it, but with councilwoman Robin Mouton voting no and councilman Taylor Neild absent, Little Woodrow's didn't have the votes it needed to get the permit.
Getz said swings, games and lawn items may have to be removed to make sure the 400 person occupancy limit is met.
We reached out to the bar's management for a statement, but they have not responded. Getz said the bar could come back to city council for another vote.
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