I don’t get it. If the servers are TABC certified, then what does it matter?

As with all stupid laws, I don’t get this one. It literally serves no purpose and completely ignores existing laws that are taught, and largely followed, in TABC certification online courses like ours.

What law am I talking about? Well, a seemingly successful restaurant concept called Zanata which has locations in Rockwall, Plano, and Forney, might not be allowed to serve alcohol in it’s new Forney location simply because a school is located across the street. This is a violation of “distance requirements” set forth in the City of Forney Code of Ordinances and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. The restaurant is seeking a private club variance from the Forney City Council.

I totally understand certain local zoning laws that make sense and serve a common purpose, like regulating where strip clubs or porn shops can operate … But a restaurant? A restaurant can’t be located across the street from a public school? I fail to see the danger here.

If a restaurant requires staff to complete TABC certification and strictly enforces laws against underage drinking, it’s unclear why its location should constitute a violation of distance requirements under local ordinances.

To view more about the applicable City of Forney ordinance and how it applies in this case, click here.