The Beloit City Council is considering a limit on the density of future liquor stores in the city.

This week, they had a first reading of a proposed ordinance change to establish geographical restrictions for establishments seeking a Class A liquor license.

After joint meetings with the Alcohol Beverage License Control Committee, city staff are recommending a 1050-foot buffer zone between property lines of licensed stores.

Existing license holders will be exempt, including when ownership of those licenses are transferred. Applicants can petition for an exception to the density restriction, and it would require a public hearing and a two-thirds majority vote by the council.

The city has not handed out any Class A licenses since August when the city council approved a moratorium on the licenses to explore changes to the ordinance.

That moratorium would end if the council approves the proposed buffer zones.