A battle is brewing over neighborhood bars in Salt Lake.

But it could take some time to age.

The City Council on Tuesday listened as about 20 people took a stand for and against a petition to allow private clubs in some residential neighborhoods, before the council ultimately put the issue on hold.

The petition, filed by the owner of Andy's Place, a beer tavern near 500 East and 300 South, asks the city to change its zoning laws to allow private clubs in residential mixed-use areas. Andy's Place is in the city's largest RMU, which stretches from South Temple to 380 South and from 250 East to 550 East.

Proponents of the petition said the change would improve the city's downtown and minimize impaired driving by increasing walkability.

"I moved downtown to be in a neighborhood, and in that neighborhood expect to have all sorts of places," said Shane Hone, who spoke in favor of the petition.

Art Brown, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, was one of about 10 people to speak out against the petition.

"It makes me nervous," he said. "It makes me nervous for the kids."

In waiting to vote on the issue, council members said they will have more time to analyze what kind of impact allowing private clubs might have on neighborhoods.

From a law enforcement standpoint, police do not see a clear difference between taverns and private clubs, said Council Policy Analyst Russell Weeks.

If the council were to allow private clubs in RMU zones, those businesses would be allowed on a conditional basis only.

Council members suggested limiting neighborhood clubs to 2,500 square feet.

"Then we're not creating a destination where people are driving to from all over the valley," outgoing Council Chair Jill Remington Love said.

City staffers suggested approval would require a security plan for the club and surrounding areas, and parking lot illumination.

Council members were also concerned about nuisances such as noise and cigarette smoke. Some suggested preventing neighborhood bars from allowing lines to form outside their doors and even requiring them to close shop earlier than the 1 a.m. last call other bars have.

"On weeknights, that may be too late for these mixed-use (areas)," Councilman Luke Garrott said.

In other council news:

• Salt Lake City will invest $40 million in a new fleet-maintenance facility.

The council on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to issue up to $40 million in sales-tax revenue bonds to pay for the two-building facility to be built at 1954 W. 500 South.

The new facility will be a center for repairing garbage trucks, snowplows and other city vehicles. The current fleet building, near 800 South and 300 West, could not be expanded to meet growing needs, officials said.

• And in a straw poll, Councilman Carlton Christensen was selected as the council chairman and councilman JT Martin was named vice chairman.

E-mail: afalk@desnews.com