Torchy’s Tacos on South Congress wants to serve alcohol; asks permission from city [Video]

AUSTIN, Texas – Torchy’s Tacos wants to start serving alcohol at its location on South Congress, and it’s urging the city of Austin to allow that to happen.

At first glance, the bar at Torchy’s on South Congress looks like a bar, but it isn’t able to operate its bar with alcohol. That’s because of its proximity to Lively Middle School.

The Austin city code requires a minimum of 300 feet separation between a business selling alcoholic beverages and a school.

The current distance between Torchy’s Tacos and Lively Middle School is only 133 feet.

But city council can waive the distance requirement if it determines it’s not in the best interest of the public, creates hardship for the applicant, is not effective or necessary, or for any other reason.

The popular taco joint attempted to sell alcohol in 2016 when it first opened. But after it was met with concern from the …