Martinez Extends Moratorium On Downtown Bars

MARTINEZ (KCBS) – Martinez has decided to extend its moratorium on the opening of any new bars in its downtown area.

The Martinez City Council approved a 45-day ban on the opening of any new bars in July, after a biker bar looked to move into the downtown area. On Wednesday, the council extended that moratorium by six months, as city officials said they need more time to draft rules for any new watering hole.

"We have to be careful about, if we allow a strictly alcohol-related business in, that it is the kind of alcohol-related business we want to see in our community," said Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder.

Roy Jeans owns Armando's, a music venue in Martinez. He said not all places that serve alcohol are the same.

"There's some distinction between brown alcohol and beer and wine," Jeans said. "I've never had a problem down at Armando's and I serve beer and wine."

Martinez police said they have to respond to many more calls at bars than they do for restaurants that also serve alcohol.

Schroder said he hopes city staff can come up with a better set of rules well before this latest moratorium expires.

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