Lincoln City Council approves liquor licenses, updates sidewalk cafe rules

LINCOLN, Neb. — The Lincoln City Council unanimously approved a slate of liquor licenses and updated municipal regulations during its April 20 meeting, addressing changes that will streamline outdoor dining operations downtown and prepare for major events.

The council adopted six special designated liquor licenses for outdoor venues on Canopy Street from R to Q Street for April 25, including permits for Tank's Country, Gate 25, Hiro 88, Mellow Mushroom and The CORNer Bar. The approvals came as the city prepared for country musician Zach Bryan's concert at Memorial Stadium that day, which drew more than 85,000 attendees.

Additional special designated licenses were approved for the Haymarket Farmers Market, including permits for Saro Cider and Sideshow Spirits for the 2026 season. The council also approved a special designated license for Hub Cafe, allowing both indoor and outdoor alcohol service at the Hub Farmers Market from May through September.

In significant regulatory action, the council adopted ordinance amendments to streamline sidewalk cafe approvals in Lincoln's downtown and commercial districts. The updated regulations make it easier for restaurants and bars to operate sidewalk cafes by allowing director-level approval rather than full city council review, reducing approval timelines. The changes also modify barrier requirements for alcohol service, now requiring barriers with an opening of less than 8 feet instead of full enclosure.

The council reappointed Liz Standish to the StarTran Advisory Board for a three-year term and set the Board of Equalization hearing date for six maintenance improvement districts on May 11. The body also approved an interlocal agreement with the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency for aerial mapping services.

All actions were approved unanimously by the seven-member council.