Salt Lake Council weighs liquor request

The Salt Lake City Council heard arguments for and against an amendment change that would clear the way for Jam and other taverns in the northwest corner of the city to add liquor to their lists of libations.

The owners of Jam, 751 N. 300 West, say their club has boosted development in the Marmalade neighborhood but needs to offer more than beer and wine to succeed financially.

But a number of homeowners near the club painted a different picture Thursday.

Neighbors complained of litter, loud bar patrons and limited parking.

"Many times when residents come home, they cannot park on their own street, in front of their own house … because of the rudeness of the people who go" to the club, said neighbor Abby West.

Brian Morris, a Jam co-owner, said he and his partner have worked hard to mitigate those problems and believes the club has been a boon to the area.

"When we decided to take over the building, it was completely run-down," he said. "A year later … the neighborhood has changed. I think the neighborhood has changed because of what we've done with the building. The clientele we bring in to the neighborhood realizes this is not a bad area. This is a great place to live."

Michael Westley, a spokesman for the Utah Pride Center, said the club has special meaning for the city's gay and lesbian community.

While bars are "often thought of as only a place to imbibe," he said, Jam has become a "safe, friendly" place for the LGBT community.

Sam Petersen, who lives near the club, expressed concerns about safety.

"I live there," he said. "I see it. They park their cars and walk back at 1 in the morning, a few blood alcohol points higher."

Morris' and co-owner Bob McCarthy's request would allow social clubs in the city's two mixed-use zones, both of which are in the northwest part of the city. The council approved a similar request from the owner of Andy's Place, allowing clubs to serve up spirits in residential mixed-use zones.

Thursday, Councilman Eric Jergensen asked for another week to consider the request. Jam is a "destination" bar that abuts single-family homes, he said.

"This is not Andy's," Jergensen said, calling neighbors' concerns "very fair."

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