Are there too many bars in the downtown mix?

As Jeff Catherell works to open a new cocktail and small plates lounge on Main Street, he admits he isn’t entirely familiar with the challenges facing new bars in downtown Sarasota.

At a workshop Feb. 18 to discuss the project, an audience of five residents helped him catch up quickly. They shared details of a failed project from last year: A bar called Paddy Wagon’s Irish Pub submitted an application to open up a few doors down from Cask & Ale’s proposed home at 1548 Main St.

There was no public objection at the initial workshops for that project. But by the time the Planning Board heard the proposal, a group of residents had united against the plans. The board ruled unanimously against Paddy Wagon’s.

“It was denied for a variety of reasons, but one of the biggest reasons was the undue concentration of bars and bar-type establishments in the downtown area,” said Pat O’Brien, a resident of the 50 Central Ave. condominium building.

With all that in mind, Catherell now knows he’s got to be on the defensive with some residents. Cask & Ale is subject to a greater degree of scrutiny because it is seeking a 4COP liquor license, which requires Planning Board and City Commission approval.

The city code offers mixed feedback on the proliferation of bars in the heart of the city. A bar is not allowed to operate within 500 feet of a liquor store, church or day school, but in 2013, the city removed a rule that required a minimum of 500 feet between bars downtown.

Regardless of what rules are in place, some residents — and city officials — have expressed concerns about the proliferation of bars downtown. Although noise is the problem most frequently cited, there are also references to crime and the general image of the city.

“We just want a nice downtown,” said Ron McCullough. “We want all kinds of opportunities for people downtown, especially young people. We just don’t want it to degrade.”

At the Feb. 18 workshop, Catherell began making a sales pitch to allay the concerns of residents. Cask & Ale offers a food menu, and its cocktails come at high price points. The Tampa-based ownership group is expanding to Sarasota with an eye toward eventually selling the restaurants to a larger entity — which means they want to avoid problems at all costs.

“Part of the attraction to downtown Sarasota for us is because it is classy,” Catherell said. “That’s our market.”

For the residents in attendance, Catherell’s word wasn’t enough. They suggested he offer some conditions for approval of the liquor license — pertaining, perhaps, to the hours of operation, number of live music performances or use of outdoor speakers.

One of the most significant concerns from residents has nothing to do with Cask & Ale itself. If the city approves a major conditional use at 1548 Main St., that approval remains in place even if Cask & Ale eventually departs. Everything might be fine with Catherell’s proposal, but there’s no guarantee the next tenant will be as well behaved.

As Catherell moves forward, he assured residents that he’d discuss potential proffers with city staff. The proposal will likely go before the Planning Board in spring, advancing next to the City Commission if all goes well.

Defending his plans, Catherell echoed an argument used by Paddy Wagon’s representatives. Opening a bar in the 1500 block of Main Street would be good for residents, drawing patrons away from businesses in the more residential-heavy 1400 block. After all, he asked, isn’t Evie’s Tavern & Grill — adjacent to Cask & Ale’s proposed location — operating without many issues?

Those residents admitted Evie’s hasn’t caused any problems since it opened in September. Still, they argued Evie’s is a restaurant with a different character than a cocktail lounge — and the potential proximity to Cask & Ale just highlighted their main concern.

“They’re also right next door to you,” O’Brien said, “which speaks to the proliferation of liquor establishments in downtown Sarasota.”