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Tighter Regulation Proposed for New Rainey Street Bars

The transformation thats happened in the last few years on Rainey Street has been drastic; a sleepy neighborhood street suddenly transformed into one of the most popular entertainment districts in Austin.

Now city staff is looking to keep the growth in check. The city is looking to change the code to better regulate cocktail lounges.

Commissioners are expected to discuss the issue Tuesday. Staff says there's concern that the area is changing because of the increase in cocktail lounges, so new venues should mean extra scrutiny.

If approved, new lounges on Rainey would need to get conditional use permits from the Planning Commission.  With those permits come off-street parking requirements. Right now, bars on Rainey follow the same rules as those bars on 6th Street and others downtown.  

By Adam Bennett