St. Paul Will Consider New Bar License District
The city council plans to review a proposal for seven bar licenses near Snelling and University avenues.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cocktails
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The Saint Paul City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, to discuss the creation of a Commercial Development District. This new district aims to add four new bar licenses to an area currently featuring three existing liquor permits.
Why it matters
City officials propose the district to increase local vitality, boost small business opportunities, and improve foot traffic near major landmarks like Allianz Field. Neighborhood groups and local stakeholders have requested additional time to review the proposal before final approval.
The district would include seven bar licenses total, with four designated as new additions to the area. These establishments would operate under standard city regulations, including a proposed 2 a.m. closing time.
The players
St. Paul City Council
The legislative body for the city of Saint Paul responsible for passing ordinances and managing local land-use policies.
St. Paul Planning Commission
An advisory board that reviews development projects and provides recommendations to the City Council on land use and zoning.
Allianz Field
A major soccer stadium located in Saint Paul that serves as a central landmark for the proposed development area.
The details
The plan amends the city's legislative code to create a district divided into four quadrants covering three to seven blocks along University and Snelling avenues. Approval would remove existing requirements for applicants to secure written support from two-thirds of local property owners.
Timeline
The Planning Commission voted to support the district in August 2026.
A public hearing was held by the city council on October 7, 2026.
A second public hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at the Merriam Park Recreation Center.
Culture Shift
This proposal follows a broader trend of cities loosening zoning restrictions to foster mixed-use development and nightlife density. It signals a shift toward prioritizing commercial vitality in transit-heavy areas like the intersections of University and Snelling avenues.
Residents and business owners in the Merriam Park area may see changes to the neighborhood commercial landscape if the district is approved. Property owners will no longer need to solicit support from neighbors to apply for liquor licenses in this specific zone.
The takeaway
Local stakeholders can participate in the city's planning process by attending the upcoming hearing at the Merriam Park Recreation Center. Engaging with these public meetings provides residents the best opportunity to voice concerns regarding neighborhood density and business development.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry at Saint Paul Cocktails.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Twin Cities.
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