The Morgantown BZA has cleared liquor licenses for two downtown businesses.

MORGANTOWN — At back-to-back meetings this fall, the Morgantown Zoning Board of Appeals approved a “restaurant, private club” designation for two new additions to downtown Morgantown.

According to city code, a restaurant, private club, is a business that can serve liquor (with a liquor license from the West Virginia ABCA) but must have the “primary purpose” of serving food on its premises.

The city previously required such businesses to submit quarterly reports showing that at least 60% of sales come from food and non-alcoholic beverages, but the City Council voted to suspend enforcement of that rule in January, around the time Primanti Bros. . I arrive on High Street.

However, obtaining restaurant or private club status in the city’s B-4 (general business) or B-1 (neighborhood business) districts requires a conditional use permit from the city’s BZA.

The board recently approved construction of Chestnut Beer Hall, which will open its doors at 132 Pleasant Street in the first quarter of 2024.

While owner Bill Rittenour has said he would rather sell more Greenmont-brewed beer and ditch the booze, ultimately it’s a business decision.

“It makes us more attractive, or at least opens up options,” he said, noting that Short Story Brewing offers liquor at its recently opened taproom just across the river in Westover. “If Chestnut Beer Hall doesn’t have liquor and Short Story does, then they’ll go to Short Story, and that gives me a problem.”

Rittenour said he intends to offer a limited menu of signature cocktails as well as a selection of high-end bourbons.

“There will be no shots fired,” he said.

Main Street Morgantown President Mark Downs said Chestnut Beer Hall has breathed new life into the once thriving downtown area.

“Bill put a lot of time, money and luck into restoring a space that was very important to the community. It was felt when Black Bear Burritos left downtown Morgantown,” he told BZA members. “What he’s done is greatly appreciated by the downtown community.”

From the taproom’s front door, it’s just over 300 feet to 227 Chestnut Street, where Pour Choices Pub & Grub is located.

The council granted the restaurant private club status back in September.

Pour Choices opened in August in the space that formerly housed Apothecary Ale House and, more recently, Deckers Creek Yacht Club.

“We are for older people who want to come eat and have a cocktail with dinner. We’ve had a few people reach out to us since we opened,” said owner Jamel Smalls. “There is also a financial part. The profit from simply drinking beer is not that high. When you add liquor, it allows us to overcome some of the challenges that failing restaurants currently face.

Before approving the application, BZA members noted that the organization is also waiving the requirement that a business be established for one year before requesting restaurant, private club status.

Downs said it was the right decision.

“I will note that the Deckers Creek Yacht Club that was there before was not successful. In the first year, they failed to take it on board and meet this requirement,” he said in support of Smalls. “This will improve their chances of success.”

Chestnut Beer Hall and Pour Choices Pub & Grub offer both food and beverage options.