Bradenton City Council Approves Downtown Lounge Despite Seniors Protest

BRADENTON--Permitting for a new downtown Irish themed lounge was approved  by the Bradenton City Council at Wednesday’s regular meeting in City Hall. Despite several opposing speakers from the Westminster Retirement Community which neighbors the proposed establishment at 302 Old Main Street, the city gave the green light to the proprietor Thomas Stynes.

Irish themed lounge site 302 Old Main Street

Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey cast the lone nay vote. She questioned the City Fire Marshall on the maximum occupancy requirements for the pub. ”It would be like fitting ten pounds of potatoes in a five pound sack,“ she said, since the new location is much smaller than the owner's other pub, Rasher Tierney’s on 14th St. W. in Bradenton.

Ken Holmes, a partner in the lounge told the council, ”Our intention is to bring Irish flavor and atmosphere to downtown Bradenton. There needs to be diverse entertainment to draw people downtown and we believe our business will do that.“

Doris Fletner, a resident of Westminster Courtyard Assisted Living across the street from the site asked the council, ”Do we need another bar when we have five in the area?“

Bradenton Mayor Wayne Poston at Wednesday's Meeting

City Planning Director Tim Polk recommended approval for the lounge as the City Planning Commission had done previously on November 15th by a 5-1 vote.

Ward 3 Councilman Patrick Roff motioned for approval of the permitting with stipulations that the owners of the establishment listen to the concerns of the nearby residents and work with them. The council voted 4-1 to approve.