Buda City Council is considering putting the issue of whether bars should be able to sell alcohol later to a vote in November.[/caption]

Three years after the city voted to allow bars, Buda leadership is considering extending the hours alcohol can be served to 2 a.m.

The council has asked staff to prepare a resolution calling an election in November on the issue. A city election is already being held that month to decide expired City Council seats.

The discussion was spurred by the proposed development of a dance hall in Buda off I-35. A zoning ordinance change could also be triggered if the dance hall decides to locate in the city.

“If we have tools in our toolbox to put late night dance halls in the I-35 corridor I think that seems appropriate,” Council Member Angela Kennedy said. “In polling my neighbors and friends and people on social media, the response to a dance hall in Buda wasn’t just ‘That sounds great,’ it was enthusiastic."

Businesses that hold mixed beverage permits from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, such as bars and restaurants, can sell alcoholic drinks until midnight under current city of Buda regulations.

The city of Kyle extended its alcohol sale hours to 2 a.m. from midnight last year. The council members who voted for the change cited similar reasons to those on Buda’s council for supporting the extension.

Buda City Council member George Haehn said the city has missed out on economic development opportunities because of its past laws.

“So many entertainment dollars were leaving Buda,” Haehn said. “While this may not be the perfect fit for everyone the idea we can restrict it using zoning … keeps it away from residential areas.”

City Manager Kenneth Williams said the City Council would have to pass a resolution calling for an election by Aug. 24. The council’s next regular meeting is on Aug. 18.

But some residents are concerned extending the hours alcoholic drinks can be served in the city would diminish its small-town feel.

“I moved to Buda because it was dry,” resident Rosemary Shelton said. “I don’t like the idea of liquor being sold in Buda, and I certainly don’t agree that it should be sold until 2 a.m. There’s enough drunks on the road that until 12 [a.m.] would be enough.”