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Alcohol Sales OK'd For Theater Complex

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By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

DADE CITY - DADE CITY - Cobb Theatres has won approval to sell beer, wine and liquor at a movie theater complex under construction at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, despite concerns from a nearby church congregation.

Pasco County commissioners Tuesday voted 5-0 to award a conditional-use permit and waive a rule that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a church or school.
Alcoholic beverages will be sold to patrons 21 and older at a "cinebistro" restaurant and theater on the mezzanine of the complex, northwest of State Road 54 and Interstate 75. Cobb expects to open the 16-screen, 2,700-seat complex in August.

Members of Faith Baptist Church, which is 827 feet away from the theaters, opposed Cobb's petition. They worry intoxicated theater patrons will drive by the church and school, putting children and congregants in danger.

"Five years ago, we planned a church with a school here," church member John Mitten Sr. told commissioners. "I'm asking you to at least protect us somewhat, not from our members going to the theater but from drunk drivers."
Tampa attorney Clarke Hobby and an entourage of other attorneys and consultants argued the theater and church are separated by a thick line of trees and an apartment complex. Hobby said the cinebistro needs to compete with other restaurants at The Grove, such as Outback Steakhouse.

Pasco Zoning Administrator Deborah Zampetti agreed that the trees and apartments provide a "unique buffer."

Hudson-based planning consultant King Helie, also representing Cobb, noted the 1,000-foot rule was adopted 29 years ago, when Wesley Chapel was a more rural place.

"Wesley Chapel has really changed," Helie said. "There is better housing and there is potential for better employment. This is an amenity."

Travis Haulk, a member of Faith Baptist, asked how Cobb, which seemed attuned to every other construction detail, failed to comply with the distance rule.

"Everything's been done to a T and to the letter, except the 1,000 feet," Haulk said.

Margarita Romo, executive director of Farmworkers Self Help in Tommytown, asked commissioners to uphold the distance rule, noting that movie theaters are a common hangout for youngsters.

"I think they're going to see thing and hear things," Romo said. "I think you're going to be opening doors you don't want to open. If it's supposed to be 1,000 feet, make it 1,000 feet. That's an agreement between the church and the state."

Jean Ann Jakes of Quail Hollow also argued a movie theater serving alcohol will set a precedent.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder assured commissioners a waiver for Cobb would not preclude the board from denying others.

Commissioners agreed the movie theater would be an asset and provide jobs for high school students.

"I understand your teachings, but we represent all the people in Pasco County," Commissioner Pat Mulieri told church members.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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