Summary
A proposed ordinance would define 'coffee shop/café,' allow the use in most commercial and office districts, and exempt coffee shops from the 100-foot alcohol buffer near single-family and duplex zoning — as long as alcohol stays under 25% of sales.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Coffee shop owners who want to serve beer or wine without needing a special distance waiver.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Notice of Possible Quorum of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission - Chapel Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Oct 27, 2026
Waco wants to define "coffee shop cafe" so these businesses stop being squeezed into the restaurant definition — and let them sell limited alcohol (25% revenue cap) even close to neighborhoods. Commissioners pumped the brakes until December to better understand the alcohol provisions.
Plan Commission - Oct 27, 2026
A proposed ordinance would define 'coffee shop/café,' allow the use in most commercial and office districts, and exempt coffee shops from the 100-foot alcohol buffer near single-family and duplex zoning — as long as alcohol stays under 25% of sales.
Related development
Coffee shop cafe definition ordinance amendment
Would let neighborhood cafes open closer to homes and serve limited alcohol without meeting full restaurant requirements — but not until December.
ZA-26-07 Coffee Shop/Café Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Would make it easier for coffee shops citywide to serve limited alcohol without a distance waiver, provided alcohol stays under 25% of revenue.
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