Despite the objections of some downtown dwellers, Cask and Ale will open this summer at 1548 Main St. after winning approval Tuesday from city leaders.
City commissioners voted 4-1 on the controversial plan granting the high-end restaurant and bar a permit despite its proximity to a liquor store and against the wishes of some residents who feared loud music and drunken patrons would mar their quality of life.
The high-end pub had become something of a symbol for the struggle between traditional downtown Sarasota residents and their more youthful counterparts who advocate a more active and vibrant city center.
Only Commissioner Susan Chapman voted against it, saying the city lacked the chops to enforce noise ordinance violations.
Cask and Ale CEO Jeff Catherell had promised the city to limit live music and close the garage door facade on the building earlier than most bars to limit the sound of patrons and music. He also offered to serve food until closing time, even though most patrons don’t order after about 10 p.m.
Commissioners partially lifted that last concession, saying the bar could stop serving food at midnight.
But Chapman echoed the concerns of several residents who told commissioners at the public hearing they had heard such promises before and been disappointed in the follow-through.
“What Cask and Ale proposes sounds good, but it also sounds like what Ivory (Lounge) offered at first,” said downtown resident Norman Wayne, referring to a now-defunct nightclub that irked neighbors with its loud music and events like Drag Queen Jell-O Wrestling.
“Does the city have any ability to enforce what has been promised?” Wayne asked. “I found it has very little ability to enforce noise ordinances.”
The city staff is reviewing policies related to those concerns and will work with the community and police to make sure they’re properly addressed, City Manager Tom Barwin told the commission after the public hearing but before the vote.
Twelve people spoke at the hearing — seven in support of Cask and Ale and five against.
Those who supported it said the city needs more upscale bars to attract young professionals and tourists. Even potential competitor State Street Eating House owner Kirk Voelker urged the city to approve Cask and Ale.
“If you deny this,” Voelker said, “Evie’s can knock down that wall and put up a tequila bar.”
Evie’s Tavern and Grill sits next door to the proposed Cask and Ale.
Cask and Ale started in St. Petersburg and is expanding into Sarasota. It’s known for hand-crafted cocktails and tapas, which are small plates of appetizers.
Catherell said he had studied the local market before deciding to open a location here and believes the downtown area is ripe for more bars, restaurants and boutiques. If not Cask and Ale, he said, then some other business will set its sights on 1548 Main Street — and it might not offer as many concessions to neighbors.
Many commissioners agreed and went onto say that the concept would help attract and retain millennials.
“If we say we want younger people here,” said Vice Mayor Shelli Freeland Eddie, “this is an opportunity.”
Cask and Ale should open in one or two months, Catherell said. When it does, he hopes even his staunchest opponents will come for a bite to eat and a cocktail.
“We want to welcome everybody,” he said. “It’s a community here.”