The South Side is a step closer to limiting the number of new watering holes that could join East Carson Street’s already crowded bar scene. Pittsburgh City Council unanimously OK’d a preliminary version of a bill today that Councilman Jeff Koch hopes will limit the number of new bars that open in the city neighborhood popular among college students. “We all know that Carson Street and the South Side area is saturated with bars and the problems that go on there on the weekends,” said Councilman Jim Motznik. “We all anticipate that this will end up in court. We hope this stands up in court.” Potential bar owners could challenge the new rules, arguing that the city is singling out new business owners and treating them unfairly. Koch’s legislation would require would-be South Side bar owners to get special approval from City Council and the Zoning Board of Adjustment before opening. Adequate parking and limiting the impact of traffic would be the main criteria for approval, according to the bill. “This is an absolute help to the residents of Pittsburgh,” said Councilwoman Tonya Payne. Koch’s legislation targets three areas: the South Side, Lawrenceville’s Butler Street and Bloomfield’s Penn Avenue. When any of those business districts reach one liquor-serving business per 50,000 square feet, the area would be considered “saturated.” Only the South Side has reached that status with about 90 liquor-serving establishments. The two other neighborhoods are under the limit and wouldn’t immediately be subject to the new rules, Koch said. More than 30 South Side residents voiced support for Koch’s bill at a public hearing last Wednesday. Many said they are fed up with the steadily growing number of bars that attract rowdy patrons who cause damage to parked cars and homes and commit nuisance crimes ranging from public intoxication to public urination. Separately, in a preliminary vote, City Council narrowly rejected Councilman Jim Motznik’s proposal to require domestic cats to be licensed and collared. The vote was 4-4, with Koch abstaining. A majority is needed for passage. Motznik, Payne and council members Bodack and Twanda Carlisle voted in favor of the bill, which will come up for a final vote Tuesday.

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