News Summary
The Pflugerville City Council has granted a special permit allowing East Pecan Cigars to relocate to a larger space at 701 W. Pecan Street. While many community members are supportive, some have raised concerns regarding the lounge’s proximity to neighboring churches and schools, potential noise, and alcohol sales. Despite these worries, lounge owners have demonstrated a history of responsible operation. The council approved the permit with conditions to minimize disturbances, marking a new chapter for the cigar lounge amid ongoing community discussions.
Pflugerville City Council Gives Green Light to Cigar Lounge Relocation Amid Concerns
The Pflugerville City Council has officially approved a special permit that will allow the popular East Pecan Cigars to move into a larger space located at 701 W. Pecan Street. This new spot is just a hop, skip, and jump from their current location and is conveniently located between the First Baptist Church and the Pflugerville Academic and Career Education High School.
Concerns from the Community
While many are excited about the move, there have been some eyebrows raised within the community. Some residents have voiced their concerns about the lounge’s close proximity to a church, a school, and surrounding neighborhoods, especially considering the potential for alcohol and tobacco sales in the new spot.
Worries about possible loud noise and the danger of drunken driving impacting the local neighborhood have been highlighted by several residents. However, the owners of East Pecan Cigars have stepped forward to share that their establishment has a track record showing no incidents related to drinking or noise complaints. They have described their clientele as primarily older professionals seeking a peaceful and private experience rather than a rowdy night out.
The Nature of the Business
Assistant City Manager Emily Barron clarified that the lounge needed a specific use permit because of its alcohol sales, which are located within 200 feet of residential areas—a point dictated by the downtown district overlay code. Unlike typical bars or restaurants, a lounge cannot have 50% or more of its sales coming from food and alcohol, a distinction that sets East Pecan Cigars apart.
The City’s staff approved the permit with the important condition that operations would be confined to the inside of the building to minimize any potential disturbance to the surrounding neighborhood. Local patrons and employees have voiced their feeling that the lounge operates in line with noise regulations and does not pose the issues some community members are concerned about.
The Broader Conversation
Interestingly, one employee suggested that concerns may stem from underlying racial issues, particularly since the lounge is co-owned by Black men. This assertion was met with interest from Council Member Kimberly Holiday, who brought up the topic of racial profiling during discussions.
Co-owner Andre Artis reassured the council that he has not experienced instances of racial bias and emphasized that his relationship with local law enforcement is quite strong, even sharing access to surveillance cameras with them for added security.
Repercussions of Approval
Adding to the debate, Chris Gary, a pastor at the nearby First Baptist Church, mentioned that a deed restriction was in place from the church’s former ownership to prevent bars from operating in the area. City Attorney Charles Zech mentioned that the city could not enforce this restriction since they were not party to the deed.
Meanwhile, Vicki Pfluger, a real estate agent for the church, cautioned that allowing the lounge’s relocation could invalidate this deed entirely. Council Member Doug Weiss took the opportunity to clarify that the deed issue pertains to property owners and does not directly influence the council’s approval decision.
In light of the discussions, Artis emphasized that, even with alcohol being sold, the lounge will not function like a bar. He also pointed out that potential noise and drinking-related incidents raised in conversation are largely theoretical, given their previous operations have shown no substance to such fears.
What’s Next?
The council ultimately voted 6-1 in favor of the special use permit, with only Council Member David Rogers standing in dissent. As East Pecan Cigars prepares to settle into their new home, the unfolding events will surely be watched keenly by the community. It’s evident that both excitement and concern coexist as Pflugerville welcomes a new chapter for its cigar lounge.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Pflugerville
- Community Impact Newspaper
- Google Search: Round Rock business
- Community Impact Newspaper
- Google Scholar: East Pecan Cigars
- Community Impact Newspaper
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cigar Lounge
- Newstalk KIT
- Google News: Yakima shootings
