Lakewood is considering a major shift in its zoning laws that could open the door to more breweries, bars, and taverns in areas where they are currently banned—including downtown.
Proposed changes could bring bars to downtown Lakewood
Under current city rules, bars and taverns aren’t allowed to operate in downtown Lakewood. Breweries are restricted to specific commercial and industrial zones. But this could change soon. On February 17, the Lakewood City Council will vote on a proposal to update these zoning laws, allowing more flexibility for alcohol-related businesses.
According to city staff, the proposed changes would make it possible for bars, breweries, taverns, and alcohol production companies to operate in new areas like downtown, industrial zones, and the Station District—located on the west side of Interstate 5.
Why the city is considering these updates
The changes come after the Lakewood Planning Commission reviewed zoning policies in nearby cities and found that Lakewood’s rules were more limited than most. The Commission recommended updates to encourage economic growth and to give business owners more options on where to set up shop.
City communications manager Kelie Kahler explained that the amendments are in line with broader regional growth plans. “These updates are a proactive step to support business development and boost activity in key areas of the city,” Kahler said in an email.
Public input and next steps
Before the council votes, a public hearing is scheduled for February 2. Residents and business owners will have a chance to share their opinions on whether these changes are good for the community.
During a recent council meeting, planning division manager Tiffany Speir presented the city’s reasoning for the changes. She emphasized that no special alcohol buffers or exclusion zones are being recommended.
No need for alcohol buffers, says city planning team
Some cities impose buffer zones that restrict how close alcohol-related businesses can be to places like daycares or schools. But Lakewood officials don’t see a need for that.
“There’s no legal requirement for alcohol buffers, and Lakewood hasn’t seen any issues between breweries or bars and sensitive sites,” Speir told the council. According to her presentation:
- The Lakewood Police Department hasn’t received complaints or calls indicating alcohol-related conflicts near daycares or schools.
- Adding buffer zones would make it harder for businesses to find commercial property without offering clear benefits.
- Most cities in Washington do not use alcohol buffers. Instead, they rely on zoning rules, business licensing, and general nuisance laws to manage these businesses.
Speir pointed out that using distance-based restrictions would add unnecessary red tape and limit land use for businesses that have not caused problems in the past.
What this means for local businesses
If the proposed changes are approved, entrepreneurs looking to open a brewery, taproom, or bar would have more options for where they can set up. This could attract new businesses to downtown Lakewood and industrial areas that were previously off-limits.
It also reflects a broader trend seen in many cities across Washington—welcoming craft alcohol businesses as a way to increase foot traffic, create local jobs, and support economic revitalisation.
