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Churches Make It Hard for New Bars17 August 2000LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Aug. 17, 2000 – As reported by The Associated Press: “In a city better known for encouraging sin rather than salvation, dozens of churches are making it tough for new bars or nightclubs to set up shop. ”Some say a new ordinance that bans the sale of alcohol near churches is hampering efforts to breathe new economic life into west Las Vegas -- a pocket of poverty untouched by casino glitz. The area is home to 176 churches, some set up in small storefronts. ”…Existing bars and stores were grandfathered in, but they cannot expand or keep their liquor licenses if they are sold. ”[City Councilman Lawrence] Weekly believes many developers simply haven't proposed new bars or stores in the area because of the ordinance. He has also has had complaints from convenience stores that have lost their liquor licenses and now can't reapply. ”…For the churches, keeping out bars doesn't seem that bad. ”…`It's crazy,’ said the Rev. S.C. Hooks, pastor of the Great Commission Interdenominational Church and a member of the West Las Vegas Neighborhood Council. `We've got a lot of casinos, but we still got to raise our children here.’ ”…Weekly is sympathetic and understands that quality of life is important, but isn't sure what the answer is…” |