HASTINGS, Fla. – The St. Johns County Commission voted to uphold First Baptist Church of Hastings appeal of a decision that allowed Main Street Pizza to serve beer and wine within 1,000 feet of the church.
The board passed the appeal with a 5-to-0 vote during a Tuesday night meeting, meaning the restaurant would have to stop serving alcohol.
Main Street Pizza was serving alcohol in February after receiving a variance from the county’s Planning and Zoning Agency, but First Baptist Church of Hastings appealed that decision, arguing the approval should not stand under a decades-old county ordinance that restricts alcohol sales near churches.
Under the ordinance, businesses generally cannot sell alcohol within 1,000 feet of a church. Main Street Pizza was granted special permission after county officials determined it met requirements for a variance.
Owner Matt Glass said he was trying to grow and expand downtown Hastings.
“We’re not trying to build a bar. We’re not doing alcohol, liquor service — simple beer and wine with your meal,” Glass said.
The church across the street was at the center of the appeal and presented its case to county commissioners Tuesday, alongside the restaurant.
Church member Pete Boykin said the church’s concerns focus on quality of life and safety.
“The main motivation, I think, is noise this close to our church and the safety of our children,” Boykin said.
They did not want alcohol served next door.
“Essentially in our parking lot,” Boykin said.