Tavern owners present at the meeting voiced their gratitude through a hearty round of applause.

The ordinance, hastily enacted in August, was intended to bring the city into accordance with state law, and also reduce the overall number of tavern licenses from 24 to 15.

This reduction of licenses would occur as businesses shut down or changes in ownership occurred. This section of the ordinance also brought opposition from tavern owners who one day hoped to sell their businesses or hand them down to a family member.

That portion of the ordinance also got tweaked Wednesday.

“This version allows a prospective new owner of an existing business to obtain a license if they meet the qualifications, regardless of the city's cap,” said City Attorney David Carlson.

Councilman Bill Anderson asked if this change would, in effect, nullify the cap, which city officials viewed as one way to reduce alcohol-related crimes.

Carlson said it would now take more time to reduce the number of taverns - licenses will be eliminated as businesses in violation have them revoked or an owner dies and the license is no longer in use.

In other council action, members unanimously approved a restaurant beer license for Pat's Barbecue and Catering Co. at 155 W. Commonwealth Ave.

Pat's Barbecue applied for the license several months ago and received city approval, only to hit a dead end with the state after it was discovered that two small churches conduct services in a nearby warehouse.

Pat's Barbecue needed a variance from the proximity restriction, both from the state and the city. But in a Catch-22, the city had no wording in their old alcohol ordinance providing the means to grant such a variance.

Both churches, the Rock Church and K2, gave written approval for Pat's to be granted the variance. They both operate in a warehouse 315 feet west of Pat's Barbecue.

The city's new alcohol ordinance contains the same variance options as the state, opening the door for Pat's Barbecue to be able to serve cold brew with their hot barbecue.

While tavern licenses are capped at 15, restaurant beer licenses are capped at 22. South Salt Lake currently has 11, which allows room for growth.

No one voiced opposition at Wednesday's public hearing, and the council supported Pat's Barbecue's plans to enhance its menu.

“It's important for the city to cultivate eclectic restaurants, hole-in-the-wall places people will enjoy coming to,” said Anderson.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com