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Via Veneto Pizzarium proximity waiver

At a glance

  • What: Resolution authorizing waiver of proximity for liquor license at Via Veneto Pizzarium, 511 East 900 South, across from Liberty Park, Council District 5.
  • Where it stands: Approved August 18, 2026 by Resolution 14 of 2026, 7-0.
  • Status: Proximity waiver approved; liquor license can proceed.

The proposal

Resolution to establish a waiver of proximity for Via Veneto Pizzarium at 511 East 900 South, pursuant to Utah Code 32B-1-202.

Context

As of May 2026, state code (Utah Code 32B-1-202) requires local municipalities to approve a waiver of proximity for liquor permits prior to Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) granting a license when the location is within specific proximity measurements of a community location. The City is required to hold a public hearing at least 30 days before a waiver can be approved.

Location

  • Restaurant: Via Veneto Pizzarium
  • Address: 511 East 900 South
  • Proximity issue: Located across the street from Liberty Park
  • Council District: 5

Council action

  • Motion (Victoria Petro/Dan Dugan): Adopt Resolution 14 of 2026 authorizing the execution of a local authorization for proximity to a community location for Via Veneto Pizzarium located at 511 East 900 South, Salt Lake City.
  • Vote: AYE - Alejandro Puy, Victoria Petro, Chris Wharton, Jennifer Napier-Pearce, Erika Carlsen, Dan Dugan, Sarah Young
  • Result: Passed 7-0.

Timeline

  • Briefing: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
  • Set Public Hearing Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
  • Hold hearing to accept public comment: Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 7 p.m.
  • Council Action: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Sources

Log

2026-08-18 - City Council Formal Meeting

Resolution 14 of 2026 adopted 7-0 establishing waiver of proximity for liquor license at Via Veneto Pizzarium at 511 East 900 South (across from Liberty Park, Council District 5), per Utah Code 32B-1-202. Motion moved by Victoria Petro, seconded by Dan Dugan.

2026-07-14 - City Council Formal Meeting

Public hearing held; Nick Tarbet introduced it. Co-owners Amy Stevanoni and Marco Stevanoni spoke in support: a limited liquor license would let the restaurant serve wine and beer with food, and they described a family-friendly, responsibly run business with no harm to public safety or the character of Liberty Park. Wharton explained the Council's usual process of closing a hearing before acting at a later meeting, noted written comments could still be submitted, and stated an intent to support the request. Tarbet clarified that state law bars action for at least 30 days. Moved by Wharton, seconded by Dugan to close the hearing and defer action: passed 5-0 (Petro and Puy absent).

2026-06-16 - LBA, CRA and Council Formal Meeting

Consent Agenda (Wharton/Petro, 7-0) set the July 14 public hearing date.

2026-06-16 - City Council Work Session

Briefing: Nick Norris with Tarbet presented the request and the new state requirements, hearing process and timeline. Discussion covered the 30-day wait, notice to nearby residents and community organizations, a consistent and predictable process for businesses, and that the state-authorized waiver does not apply to proximity to schools or churches. Carlsen asked that applicants get clear timeline expectations; staff said a more consistent, trackable process would be developed.